90-year building converted into condo complex

[joeDowntown]

90-year building converted into condo complex

Saturday, December 25, 2004

By Chris Knape

The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS -- A Grand Rapids developer has partnered with a bank to buy and overhaul what The Press in 1914 called "the finest apartment" building in town.

After 90 years, however, The Dayton is a decaying three-story building at 143 Cherry St. SE near Saint Mary's Health Care.

Brice Bossardet recently partnered with National City Bank to provide a

$1 million overhaul of the eight-unit building. The new owners paid $349,000 for the property, city records show.

Demolition crews are stripping the inside of the brick building down to the studs to overhaul its dated and decaying innards.

It will be converted into eight two-bedroom, 1.5-bath condominiums priced between $140,000 and $180,000. The first of the units is expected to be completed by April with the entire project wrapping up by June.

The original exterior facade will be retained along with the hardwood floors. Most other details from the building such as wood window frames and paneling will need to be removed because of their poor condition, Bossardet said.

When work is finished, the units should have a more contemporary feel, he said.

Bossardet also is dumping the Dayton name in favor of Cherry Street Lofts. Dayton was the name of the Wisconsin man who built the apartment building in 1914.

So far, Bossardet said he has reservations for four of the units, all of which will share a rooftop deck with a hot tub and grill.

Bossardet, who has purchased other homes in the Cherry Hill area, said the Dayton represents a bigger challenge.

The conversion to condominiums should provide stability for a building within walking distance of downtown attractions. Each unit comes with one off-street parking space.

"People can purchase one of these condos, make payments and have equity for the same price or less than what renting would cost," he said.

Special mortgage financing available through National City offer rates 1.5 percent below standard mortgage rates because of the building's location in the central city.

Bossardet said the area around Saint Mary's is poised for a major comeback. The Dayton building is across the street from Eerdman's Publishing Co., which Saint Mary's recently purchased for future expansion.

Bossardet also is buying two other nearby apartment buildings.

[Allan]

My aunt was telling me about this over the weekend. She works nearby. All in all, more great news for GR!

[joeDowntown]

Because of Grand Rapids Furniture industry, we have a decent number of these really nice (although rundown) apartment building in the area. Salesmen used it as a second residence so they could be close to the furniture markets. Although I cringe at the thought of how many other buildings like this are now parking lots, it is good to see the remaining apartments being converted to condo's. It continues to add to the density of living in downtown. Once we get this, the retail aspect will pick up quickly (which I believe is the missing link for downtowns total revival).

Joe

[Allan]

Downtown really could use some department stores or something. Retail seems to be the one missing link downtown. All the other ingredients are there.

[joeDowntown]

Restoration Based On Brownstones

By David Czurak

GRAND RAPIDS