MONROE - Three buildings along Mansion Drive, commonly referred to as the annex properties, are in the process of being updated as apartments for tenants 50 years and older.
A fourth property, the brick building closest to Mansion Drive, is in the process of being sold to the neighboring Ludlow Mansion to possibly be used for storage or livable space. Mansion proprietor Greg Fedders has not proposed any definite plans to the city.
Property owner Neil Homb of South Wayne has taken steps to repair the structures through an understanding with the city's building inspection department after the city received complaints of structural problems. An unstable wall on one of the buildings allowed local teenagers to break into the building in late February, bringing the condition of the properties to the city's attention.
The city urged Homb to upgrade his property, Assistant City Administrator Martin Shanks said, and a timeline was established. Since then, the hole has been patched and Homb has followed through with plans to update the buildings.
The property was formerly used as extra lodging for the Alphorn Inn and Executive Rooms. Constructed in 1976, they were part of the limited selection for lodging in Monroe. When the motel closed, the buildings were purchased by a local architect and partners. While the original inn was torn down, the annex property remained until Homb bought the buildings about seven years ago.
On Aug. 13, Homb took out building permits for three buildings which specified a remodel to an existing four-unit apartment structure. Three buildings are slated for improvements, city Building Inspector Ryan Lindsey said.
Homb said the structuresare being completely gutted and renovated for a "new and improved" feeling aimed at tenants 50 years and older. Walls are being replaced while others are removed.
He hopes to provide an expansion to affordable housing in Monroe, especially for able-bodied people reaching retirement years.
"That was always my goal," Homb said. "I want tenants who are responsible and will be there long-term."
The apartment buildings will be named Nordic Pines. Homb said the 1,100-square-foot units, off-street parking and smaller buildings are meant to feel more like residential rentals rather than apartment complexes. In total, there will be 12 units for rent once the buildings are complete.
"I just wanted to make the project an asset to the neighborhood," Homb said.
Lindsey, who is also Monroe's zoning administrator, said work has steadily been done on the buildings. Renovations have already begun on the first building and the interior walls of the second building have been brought down in preparation of further work. Homb has been moving forward in numerical order, making the third building the final step in the project. The first building is slated to be finished next fall. The second is set to be completed autumn of 2017 and third in the fall of 2018, he said.
A fourth property, the brick building closest to Mansion Drive, is in the process of being sold to the neighboring Ludlow Mansion to possibly be used for storage or livable space. Mansion proprietor Greg Fedders has not proposed any definite plans to the city.
Property owner Neil Homb of South Wayne has taken steps to repair the structures through an understanding with the city's building inspection department after the city received complaints of structural problems. An unstable wall on one of the buildings allowed local teenagers to break into the building in late February, bringing the condition of the properties to the city's attention.
The city urged Homb to upgrade his property, Assistant City Administrator Martin Shanks said, and a timeline was established. Since then, the hole has been patched and Homb has followed through with plans to update the buildings.
The property was formerly used as extra lodging for the Alphorn Inn and Executive Rooms. Constructed in 1976, they were part of the limited selection for lodging in Monroe. When the motel closed, the buildings were purchased by a local architect and partners. While the original inn was torn down, the annex property remained until Homb bought the buildings about seven years ago.
On Aug. 13, Homb took out building permits for three buildings which specified a remodel to an existing four-unit apartment structure. Three buildings are slated for improvements, city Building Inspector Ryan Lindsey said.
Homb said the structuresare being completely gutted and renovated for a "new and improved" feeling aimed at tenants 50 years and older. Walls are being replaced while others are removed.
He hopes to provide an expansion to affordable housing in Monroe, especially for able-bodied people reaching retirement years.
"That was always my goal," Homb said. "I want tenants who are responsible and will be there long-term."
The apartment buildings will be named Nordic Pines. Homb said the 1,100-square-foot units, off-street parking and smaller buildings are meant to feel more like residential rentals rather than apartment complexes. In total, there will be 12 units for rent once the buildings are complete.
"I just wanted to make the project an asset to the neighborhood," Homb said.
Lindsey, who is also Monroe's zoning administrator, said work has steadily been done on the buildings. Renovations have already begun on the first building and the interior walls of the second building have been brought down in preparation of further work. Homb has been moving forward in numerical order, making the third building the final step in the project. The first building is slated to be finished next fall. The second is set to be completed autumn of 2017 and third in the fall of 2018, he said.