MONROE - More than 40 years after they were originally constructed, three buildings along Mansion Drive will serve a new purpose.
That repurposing was done by owner Neil Homb, a South Wayne native who purchased the properties nearly a decade ago. He began assessing a way to update the structures in late 2015, stripping them down to the studs.
"We've replaced everything," Homb said. "Basically gutted. Everything is new. The stairs aren't even the same stairs."
From the drywall to the HVAC system, the properties on the 1400 block of Mansion Drive are barely recognizable as former annex buildings to Alphorn Inn and Executive Rooms. The inn previously operated along 18th Avenue where Sugar River Bank in Monroe now exists. No longer aluminum siding, the inspiration for a Nordic look includes a soft brown painted exterior and wooden features.
A fourth structure formerly owned by Homb closest to the historic Ludlow Mansion was sold to Greg Fedders of Mansion Property LLC. The building was a former carriage house to the mansion, which Homb said he had planned to demolish but was approached by Fedders to sell instead.
Homb said he has noticed in discussions with other Monroe property owners that residents are looking for more housing options, especially those of quality.
"I think the community has a need," Homb said. "I want to get them as close to condos without buying a condo."
Tenants would need to be 55 or older, Homb said, because he wants to give an option for able-bodied people close to retirement age. He only asks renters not smoke or own dogs.
The Monroe Comprehensive Plan, completed in 2015, identified increased housing as a need. A theme was recognized continuously by involvement of residents to build "affordable, quality housing stock that meets the needs of diverse community members at varying stages of their life."
The need for updates at Homb's buildings was prompted in part by complaints to the city about the structural integrity. An unstable wall on one of the buildings was the entry point for teenagers who broke in February 2015.
Former Assistant City Administrator Martin Shanks said at the time work began that the city urged Homb to upgrade his property because of potential safety issues, and a timeline was established in discussions with Homb, who took out building permits in August 2015.
Dubbed Nordic Pines Townhouse Apartments, four 1,100-square-foot units are outfitted in each building. A master bedroom and spare room are part of the units with spacious walk-in closets and storage, all decked out with modern finishings, which Homb said he wanted since nearly everything was being removed. A number of items, from sinks to electrical fixtures were recycled through other organizations, he noted.
"You can hear a pin drop," Homb said. "That's how quiet it is."
Homb said he was proud of the work done on the buildings and was happy to see the first building on schedule to open within a month, just after the carpet and final light fixtures arrive in roughly two weeks. He said the second building would be completed 90 days later and the third would be ready about three months after that, likely at the beginning of October.
He noted there have been a number of phone calls since the exteriors have been completed and looks forward to welcoming tenants to buildings that have been given new life.
That repurposing was done by owner Neil Homb, a South Wayne native who purchased the properties nearly a decade ago. He began assessing a way to update the structures in late 2015, stripping them down to the studs.
"We've replaced everything," Homb said. "Basically gutted. Everything is new. The stairs aren't even the same stairs."
From the drywall to the HVAC system, the properties on the 1400 block of Mansion Drive are barely recognizable as former annex buildings to Alphorn Inn and Executive Rooms. The inn previously operated along 18th Avenue where Sugar River Bank in Monroe now exists. No longer aluminum siding, the inspiration for a Nordic look includes a soft brown painted exterior and wooden features.
A fourth structure formerly owned by Homb closest to the historic Ludlow Mansion was sold to Greg Fedders of Mansion Property LLC. The building was a former carriage house to the mansion, which Homb said he had planned to demolish but was approached by Fedders to sell instead.
Homb said he has noticed in discussions with other Monroe property owners that residents are looking for more housing options, especially those of quality.
"I think the community has a need," Homb said. "I want to get them as close to condos without buying a condo."
Tenants would need to be 55 or older, Homb said, because he wants to give an option for able-bodied people close to retirement age. He only asks renters not smoke or own dogs.
The Monroe Comprehensive Plan, completed in 2015, identified increased housing as a need. A theme was recognized continuously by involvement of residents to build "affordable, quality housing stock that meets the needs of diverse community members at varying stages of their life."
The need for updates at Homb's buildings was prompted in part by complaints to the city about the structural integrity. An unstable wall on one of the buildings was the entry point for teenagers who broke in February 2015.
Former Assistant City Administrator Martin Shanks said at the time work began that the city urged Homb to upgrade his property because of potential safety issues, and a timeline was established in discussions with Homb, who took out building permits in August 2015.
Dubbed Nordic Pines Townhouse Apartments, four 1,100-square-foot units are outfitted in each building. A master bedroom and spare room are part of the units with spacious walk-in closets and storage, all decked out with modern finishings, which Homb said he wanted since nearly everything was being removed. A number of items, from sinks to electrical fixtures were recycled through other organizations, he noted.
"You can hear a pin drop," Homb said. "That's how quiet it is."
Homb said he was proud of the work done on the buildings and was happy to see the first building on schedule to open within a month, just after the carpet and final light fixtures arrive in roughly two weeks. He said the second building would be completed 90 days later and the third would be ready about three months after that, likely at the beginning of October.
He noted there have been a number of phone calls since the exteriors have been completed and looks forward to welcoming tenants to buildings that have been given new life.