Preliminary construction has begun on a group of three-story Downtown buildings at the intersection of Long and Sixth Streets, which are undergoing a conversion into apartments and retail. Local developer Don DeVere originally announced the 54,000 square foot project back in May, confirming this week on a photo tour that construction is officially under way.
Once completed, the ground floor of 288 East Long Street will be home to a 2,000 square foot retail space and a covered indoor parking area toward the back of the building. The upper floors of the building will be home to one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment units ranging from approximately 700 to 1200 feet in size. Currently, the building at 151 North Sixth Street serves as the men’s shelter for Faith Mission, which is relocating two blocks north to a newly renovated building.
DeVere previously completed several similar historic renovations on North Fourth Street in 2007, and is bullish on the continued growth of the Discovery District area, citing the success of existing projects nearby such as Neighborhood Launch, as well as the potential for future infill on remaining surface lots in the area.
Construction is expected to take approximately 12 months, with completed residential units available for lease expected late-summer 2017.
All photos by Walker Evans.