RSS
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
Next Wednesday, I’ll be moderating a luncheon panel discussion for the Columbus Metropolitan Club (you can buy tickets to attend here) on the topic of Downtown Housing. More specifically, we’ll be discussing the ups and downs that various developers have had, which projects are still in the works, and what the future may hold in the next few years. The panel includes:
- Michael DeAscentis of Lifestyle Communities who is currently building the 206-unit apartment and condo project in RiverSouth
- Jeff Edwards of The Edwards Companies, who is constructing Neighborhood Launch, the 300-unit condo development along Gay Street
- Kyle Katz of The Katz Interests, developer of the Buggyworks Residential Lofts in the Arena District
- Kevin Wood of M E Companies, who is the co-founder of the Downtown Residents’ Association of Columbus (DRAC)
So my question to all of you is this: What would you like to know about Downtown Housing from these panelists? I will do my best to work specific questions into the conversation that you all may have. Please try to keep them topical and reasonable. And thanks in advance for the input!
Or this…….
http://mediaenvironment.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/leedgarage2.jpg
Downtown living sounds like a great idea… but I would be really concerned when making a purchase investment in today’s real estate climate… that as a buyer I take advantage of the leverage I have in making sure that the builder I work with is compatible with me. It is such a big investment that really I want to know that I have someone to talk to about how things are done… and I am not sure that I would get that kind of attention in one of these giant condo units downtown. It is a lifestyle and all.. but again I just feel like I am one of many and I think I might want a little more of a connection to the process. Again… it is a lifestyle thing and I don’t mean the community developer… but a “state of mind” or a “way of living”. Anyway, I posted an article with a bit more detail on what I am talking about here:
http://askthebuildingexperts.com/how-to-find-a-contractor-for-a-custom-home/
There are plenty of nice homes that are already built.
1. I have looked at properties downtown and they all seem unaffordable & I think my job pays reasonably well. Why do developers insist on granite countertops & top-of-the-line appliances in these places? Why not some simpler amenities to bring the purchase price down? I love to cook, and a real cook knows that a countertop is a countertop.
2. I’m not sure I have many reasons to go downtown. If I drive into the heart of Columbus on a Saturday, there’s not much open. You have to still go a considerable distance back to the Short North. There is a lack of coffeeshops open on the weekends downtown, plus no easily accessible grocery store. I think there needs to be more things within a short walking distance to justify being in the heart of the city.
^^ As to #1, here is a build done just a stone’s throw from downtown that shows simple and affordable CAN be done.
#2 Cafe Brioso on Gay and High is 9-4 on Saturday, Warehouse Cafe down the street from Ross Labs on 5th Street is open on Saturdays. There are a handful of others as well. No argument in general with what you are saying, just that there are some great local options.
Thanks for all of the questions everyone! I’m putting the final touches on everything this morning. This is a large panel with 5 speakers and only 1 hour, so I know we won’t be able to get to everything. I’m planning on sitting down later on with each of these developers and individuals and ask anything else that gets left out. :D
Nice Meeting you Walker! RT @CSMN Walker of @ColsUnderground moderates a CMC panel on downtown living choices http://is.gd/NroW
Was nice to meet you too! :D