I like the mixed-use concept. It's an appealing idea to be able to live in an apartment in a building that also has things like retail space and a restaurant or bar. But I wouldn't spend $200,000 or $300,000 or whatever they're going to end up asking for a condo in Harrison Square. And I don't think I'll be relocating the proposed "Restaurant Row" on Superior Street, either:
John and Mike McKay of Hartland Development delivered their presentation Monday to the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission for what they'd like to install in the city-owned lot next to Club Soda: dual, mixed-use, four-story buildings with 21 loft units in the top two floors. The first floor of the two buildings would likely house restaurants, retail or commercial space.
[. . .]
Due to the current economic climate, the McKays said the lofts will be for rent to make them more appealing, rather than marketing them as condos. Projected monthly rent for the 21 units is between $1,300 and $1,500.
OK, they'll be lofts, and lofts are cool, but $1,300 to $1,500? Does anyone else think that's outrageously high for a 1,300-square-foot rental in the Fort Wayne market? Do you know how much house a monthly payment like that would buy? Or how much more apartment you could get for less? Just which demographic groups will this be marketed to?
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Cripes, Leo...you know HOW MANY HOUSES that money can buy (over a year) in the S/E part of town, let alone how much of one single house that can buy???
(But heaven forbid we supplant the current rabble with decent, tax-paying people down HERE)
As far as the demographics...?
I think the yuppie, disco-clad, hard-partying, coke-snorting Studio 54 crowd have moved on in life...just a hunch.
;)
B.G.
I don't know how strong that downtown Ft Wayne "loft" rental market is, but if you want a stark contrast, I've got a 4500 sq ft 4 year old custom built home on a championship golf course that leases for the same amount. I realize everyone has different personal tastes, wants and needs but it seems hard to justify that kind of $$$ for an apartment in ft Wayne.
Maybe on Lakeshore drive, but Ft Wayne??
You could probably still live on pretty Edgewater Avenue by the Riverggreenway and pay 1/3 to 1/5 less (plus heat paid) and still be close to downtown... if that's the goal.
For a community long-known for cheap living - translate, lower paying jobs, incomes lower than comparable cities of its size, college students leaving to places that are more expensive but also pay better - a downtown development charging higher rents should be a fact Fort Wayne would welcome, not disparage.
"a downtown development charging higher rents should be a fact Fort Wayne would welcome, not disparage."
I'm sure they'd be welcomed, if they actually get rented. There-in lies the problem. I wish them well, I just find it very risky.
Maybe the reality is Fort Wayne remains a community with more of a budget for a Bob Evans, not a Ruth Chris steakhouse.
Andrew, that is correct, in my opinion.
"Champagne taste with a beer pocket book", as my Dad used to say.
Very apropos, Andrew.
B.G.
Stay warm guys.
Andrew