Grand Lofts
Rosemann & Associates, Architects is leaving another big mark on Kansas City’s development scene. The firm recently completed the design, and construction has begun, on the conversion of the 17-story historic 1006 Grand building into 134 apartment units to be called Grand Boulevard Lofts.
This $18 million project is a bright spot of development in our downtown, which has seen recent growth but also has seen many projects stall in the current economy.
“The downtown area has experienced revitalization and there is now a great demand for quality affordable housing inside the downtown loop,” says Donald Rosemann (above), who sits at the helm of the firm. The building at the corner of 10th and Grand has been vacant for more 10 years, but now is about to receive the historic preservation it deserves.
Developed by Sherman Associates, of Minneapolis, the Grand Boulevard Lofts project is being financed by the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the city of Kansas City, and various private lenders and investors. Rau Construction Co. is the general contractor for the project which is scheduled for completion at the end of 2010.
Rosemann’s design concept preserves the historic context of this building. 1006 Grand was built in 1909 as a five-story building known as The Gates Building. Over the next 20 years additions were completed to expand the building to its current 17- story height. It then became known as the Homes Savings Association building. This conversion will maintain the integrity of the historic qualities of this building, while offering all modern apartment amenities.
Rose Construction breaking ground
Anyone in the commercial real estate business these days will tell you that industrial building construction has come to a halt. That’s why Russell Pearson (belowe, left) and Nathan Anderson (below, right) with the Harbinger Property Group are keyed up about a recent development: B. Dalke Custom Design, LLC, headquartered in Lenexa, has hired Rose Construction Co. to design and build a 9,000 square foot office/manufacturing center at Parkside Business Center, which is near Ridgeview and Kansas City Road in Olathe.
According to The CoStar Group, this represents the only industrial building in the entire five-county KC metro area to begin construction during the second half of 2009, and the third industrial building start for the full year. “This really is the only industrial building that’s being started in the last two quarters,” Pearson said. B. Dalke Custom Designs is a custom interior design/build company that specializes in custom furniture, interior architectural pieces, and hand-made trophies and awards. The building will be a showcase for their work as well as a custom fabrication shop.
Pearson and Anderson represented Rose Construction in the transaction. The buyer considered more than 15 new and build-to-suit options in the Olathe and Lenexa areas before choosing Rose Construction to build the new facility due to competitive pricing, a preference for the design-build process, and overall workmanship quality of Rose’s past projects.
Harbinger Ping Pong Qualifier
Harbinger has also been active with the Fist Annual Harbinger Ping Pong Tournament. Pat Mereaz (above) with Harbinger Property Group defends the home turf with his best impression of Forrest Gump. The ping pong qualifier was held a few weeks ago to seed the tournament to begin around March Madness. 32 players from companies all over Kansas City are playing for bragging rights, miscellaneous prizes, and the Grand Prize Title Belt. Gary O’Dell (below) with Jones Lang LaSalle gets ready for a wicked backhand very reminiscent of John McEnroe, however no tirades were shouted towards the official.
