Local Entrepreneurial News
Lifestyle Communities Ltd. will spend $25 million to build 130 apartments and 76 condos on 2.8 acres along South Front Street between West Town and Rich streets.
The project will target a market of young, professional workers with condos selling for less than $200,000 on average and rent beginning at $750 a month.
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I’m concerned by Lifestyle’s description of bringing “the town house Downtown, with wood construction….” if they build developer grade housing downtown, its going to have to be torn down or completely rehabbed in 30-40 or so years. The stuff these companies are building these days just isn’t built to last. I wish companies wouldn’t compromise on construction methods to make an extra buck.
But who knows, maybe that will be a good thing. I think its important to put something on all these parking lots, and maybe in 30 years, there will be greater demand for the property and something more suiting the site will be built.
Friday, March 14, 2008
BY MIKE PRAMIK
A local developer plans to build a $25 million apartment and condominium project south of the old Lazarus building, continuing a renaissance in the city’s RiverSouth district.
Lifestyle Communities plans to begin work this summer on 130 apartments and 76 condominiums that will be marketed to young people who can’t afford some of the other Downtown living options. The units are expected to open in winter 2010.
The project will cover two parking lots sandwiched between the Lazarus building and the former Lazarus parking garage.
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I tend to think the idea of being able to get rid of these things in 30 years is actually a good one. Or at least that there’s enough of a silver lining there to make it not make me too sad. It would have been nice to see a little bit more quality going in right now along the riverfront, though. If it weren’t for the seriously bear market, I think RiverSouth would already be healthy enough to sustain at least a few high-quality midrises (7+ stories), at least right along the river, so we really do lose a lot of time by having to wait 30 years.
I wouldn’t have a huge issue with the size of the townhomes (looks like 3 floors on the renderings) if they used construction methods which would last.. I.E steel framing, steel decking with concrete slabs, and then clad in brick.
From a historic perspective, 4 story brownstones, and other townhome buildings were what was on the site to begin with. I wish and hope that Lifestyle doesn’t view this as an opportunity to bring their suburban style development to a downtown location.. Looking at the rendering, I’m already concerned. There’s not enough variation in the detailing, brick, or set backs, which ends up giving it the appearance of one big suburban apartment/condo building.
Reminds me of Liberty Place in BD.
I too was hoping for something a little denser and taller, but I don’t think they’d be able to pull of those price points if they weren’t doing woodframed construction, so I understand the reason to stay 3 floors.
At the same time though, we are replacing downtown parking lots with 206 new residential units. I’m assuming there will be a mix of one & two bedroom places, so we’re probably looking at around 300 new downtown residents where we currently have none. That is awesome.
And I agree with Pod & Gram that the short-term cheaper materials may end up being a good thing in 30-40 years when there might be a greater demand for something a little more dense to take it’s place. I think the design looks ok for the pricepoint. It is a bit suburban-complex-looking, but as I’ve said before about other developments… I think we’ve got enough room for everyone’s tastes at this point.
I have the solution to getting young professionals to move downtown. Instead of making housing cheaper … pay me more :wink:
Look like it includes a tower that looks like the Riffe Center. Anything over 1 floor is progress. I bet there are more one story buildings downtown than there are three or 5 or 10 story ones.
Mmmmmmm….generic…..
At least they put the metal railing between the french doors. You’re sure to be safe if you ever come busting through that brick wall like the Kool-Aid Man.
Oh Yeah, indeed!
There will have to be immaculate upkeep if this project is going to hold its value. If they want buyers to see these as a good investment (because I’d bet few people would plan on living in this development forever) they’ll have to balance owners with renters very carefully. When people graduate from college, it sometimes takes years to get rid of that party hard mentality.
While I’m glad to see those blocks being used for residential space, I’d like to see condo developments that offer many different price points within the same complex. Not like North Bank, where they start at $370K. They can use cheaper finishes in cheaper units, but at least you have a more sustainable (less transient) community.
Best part about this is it will be done in a year and a half. That practically instant people living downtown. Also, this could easily turn into a rent to own property. Good potential, I’m on board.
I do 3d computer models similar to those, both interior and exterior. Anyone hiring any freelance? LOL
Honestly, it looks nicer than I expected from lifestyle.
These are some of their others
Buzzkill, dude.
Buzzkill, dude.
Totally a buzzkill. But if I’m going to plop down $125,000 or more on a condo, I’ll probably start calling the cops on those crazy kids. At least there’s no lawn to worry about.
What??? No way, I don’t know ANYONE like that. The moment I finished school I got married, had 4 kids and moved to Reynoldsburg. I am now the president of the PTA, soccer coach, and member of the Royal Order of Waterbuffalo’s. Saturday is family day with board games and every Sunday it’s off to Sunday School!
Oh wait…. That’s not totally correct….. maybe I can sum it up in a picture…..
Yep… that pretty much sums it up.
Spoken like a tried and true resident of German Village. German Village- keeping it bland since 1999.
What??? No way, I don’t know ANYONE like that. The moment I finished school I got married, had 4 kids and moved to Reynoldsburg. I am now the president of the PTA, soccer coach, and member of the Royal Order of Waterbuffalo’s. Saturday is family day with board games and every Sunday it’s off to Sunday School!
Oh wait…. That’s not totally correct….. maybe I can sum it up in a picture…..
Yep… that pretty much sums it up. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
HaHa. I’m a renter in German Village, so I’ve only been keeping it bland since 2005 and probably will be moving out this summer to a house a normal person can afford. I’m just saying this project is going to be a tough sell with a mix of rentals and condos. Those had better be sound-proof walls, and not paper-thin ones.