new residential downtown

[triclops i]

This dude is what I wanna be when I grow up...

[t sizzle]

I am very interested, please let me know when they are available!

[Captain Zissou]

I tried to get some money together for it last year, but we were pretty timid due to all the work that it needed. Our plan was to just reduce the top 2 floors to studs and clean them up to lease as artist space for the time being, with the ultimate goal of residential. The building needs a lot of work, but it is in one of the best locations in the city and has huge potential. Good luck Ron!!!!

[Dapperdan]

Ron,
What are the plans for the outside facade? I am assuming you will be using the Laura Street facade grant. I am assuming just restoring and painting the upper floors, but the street level future restaurant should be bright with maybe some creative use of lighting and good signage.
Thank you for taking this on. I think I will put my Kindle down and go buy an actual book now at Uptown. Keep up the good work!

[Dapperdan]

Also, in the grand scheme of things, 5 or 6 apartmenst may not seem like much, but it is projects like this that we need right now. We don't need billions dumped into some govt study or some pocket park creation or whatever. We need business minded people like Chamblin who see an opportunity and develope their little corner.

[fsujax]

^^could not agree more.

[jason_contentdg]

Also, in the grand scheme of things, 5 or 6 apartmenst may not seem like much, but it is projects like this that we need right now. We don't need billions dumped into some govt study or some pocket park creation or whatever. We need business minded people like Chamblin who see an opportunity and develope their little corner.

This is absolutely correct.

[thelakelander]

^I agree with fsujax and jason_contentdg.  I also agree with triclops i.  I want to have the same type of impact on the urban core that Ron has provided when I grow up.

[jcjohnpaint]

Also, in the grand scheme of things, 5 or 6 apartmenst may not seem like much, but it is projects like this that we need right now. We don't need billions dumped into some govt study or some pocket park creation or whatever. We need business minded people like Chamblin who see an opportunity and develope their little corner.

Absolutely.  Five projects like this can make such an impart on street level vibrancy.  People coming and going etc.  Thanks very much for this Ron! 

[jerry cornwell]

Also, in the grand scheme of things, 5 or 6 apartmenst may not seem like much, but it is projects like this that we need right now. We don't need billions dumped into some govt study or some pocket park creation or whatever. We need business minded people like Chamblin who see an opportunity and develope their little corner.

Exactly, a do er not a talker. Ron's description of his experience is nothing short of humbling. These are the people who are, and will revitalize DT. Not just are they business minded, why do they do this? Because they WANT to!

[Debbie Thompson]

Someone told me there are 4 foot clawfoot tubs in some of those apartments-above-stores along that block. Maybe that's the building.  Charming historic apartments above a store.  This is awesome. 

But what about Gus?  Surely we can find a spot for Gus somewhere in there.  Restaurants we have, and another one would be great too. But do you know how hard it is to find a good shoe repair shop?  Please consider saving a spot for Gus somewhere.  That store has been there for as long as I can remember.  Just my 2 cents. :-)  Love the plans.

[thelakelander]

Yes, there are several clawfoot tubs in the building.  There are two street level retail bays.  Ron told me Gus is staying.

[vicupstate]

Also, in the grand scheme of things, 5 or 6 apartmenst may not seem like much, but it is projects like this that we need right now. We don't need billions dumped into some govt study or some pocket park creation or whatever. We need business minded people like Chamblin who see an opportunity and develope their little corner.

Maybe MJ should do a continuing series on the trials, tribulations, rewards and surprises that come with doing a project like this.  A lot of people, myself included, dream of doing this type of thing, but have a fear of the unexpected/unknown.  Maybe sharing Ron's experiences will help and encourage others to do the same.     

[JFman00]

My brother bought a building like this in MI near Ann Arbor. They're not for the faint of heart. Between him and my Dad it took months before it was livable and years before the restoration was done. The end result was pretty stunning though, well worth the wait, and considering how cheap it was plus the new Chicago->Detroit HSR in the works it was a smart project.

I'm hoping someone works some magic with the converted firehouse downtown. Looks like a fantastic living space with a lot of potential for ground-floor retail.

[John P]

Also, in the grand scheme of things, 5 or 6 apartmenst may not seem like much, but it is projects like this that we need right now. We don't need billions dumped into some govt study or some pocket park creation or whatever. We need business minded people like Chamblin who see an opportunity and develope their little corner.

Maybe MJ should do a continuing series on the trials, tribulations, rewards and surprises that come with doing a project like this.  A lot of people, myself included, dream of doing this type of thing, but have a fear of the unexpected/unknown.  Maybe sharing Ron's experiences will help and encourage others to do the same.   

The Florida times union newspaper did several columns following the renovations of old houses in Riversride and Springfield years ago.