Plans to develop the land immediately surrounding 400 West Rich in Franklinton are starting to take shape. In addition to the recently-announced transformation of 289 West Walnut Street into artist studios, ground could be broken as soon as this summer on Lucas Lofts, a four-story, 69-unit apartment building at the northwest corner of West Rich and Lucas streets.
Incorporated into the building would be a “market alley” running down its center, with ground-floor units opening onto the space from each side. The units have been designed with flexibility of use in mind.
“The entire project is live-work, so residents would have the option to do both, or to choose the use that best fits with their needs,” said Chris Sherman, project manager at 400 West Rich. “We anticipate these ground-floor units being retail-focused with a residential use on the second floor.”
Parking for the building would be accommodated by 18 spaces on the first floor of the building, along with an undetermined number along Lucas Street, which is actually owned by an affiliate of the developer, Urban Smart Growth. Sherman acknowledged that there is still work to be done on the parking plan, and said they would be working with a civil engineer and the East Franklinton Review Board to come up with a solution.
Sherman said he anticipates price-points in the $500-per-month range for a studio, while one of the two-story units would rent for around $1,300. Amenities will include a roof top patio, covered balconies, and interior finishes like concrete floors and stone counter tops.
Urban Smart Growth has had plans for a live-work concept on the vacant lot since at least 2012, when they surveyed potential renters on ideas for the project. Other parcels controlled by the developer include the former B&T Metals site at the corner of Lucas and West Town streets.
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All renderings via Jonathan Barnes Architecture and Design.
