By: Deborah Johnson Wood
In 2004, Second Story Properties, Elevation Group, and RSC and Associates bought the former YMCA at 27 Library Street NE with plans to renovate it into upscale urban condominiums. Yesterday, a ceremonial groundbreaking marked the beginning of construction.
"It's sort of like building 41 custom homes," said Sam Cummings, Second Story's president. "But that's what makes it fun."
The most recent plan was to create 45 residences in the nine-story historic structure. But several buyers combined units, bringing the count down to 41. Prices start at about $200,000 and range up to about $650,000. Purchase agreements are in place for 19 units.
From Veteran's Park directly across the street, the renovated building will look much like it did when it was built in 1915. One change is that all the windows will be lengthened some 12 inches to expand the view—the original sills were too high and provided only views of the sky for anyone seated inside the condos.
The masonry, which hasn't been cleaned in approximately 50 years, will be restored to its original color. Optional balconies will be added to some units on the north and west sides.
"The envelope is steel reinforced concrete and is extraordinarily soundproofed," Cummings said, "so even on a busy day outside it will be incredibly quiet inside."
Cummings expects residents to move in starting perhaps as early as June 2008.
Source: Sam Cummings, Second Story Properties
Photograph by Brian Kelly
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Deborah Johnson Wood is Development News Editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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