Today's Most Popular Video
Jan 6, 2009 6:48 pm US/Central
Needed Upgrade For Historic Apartments Near 'U'
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―
-
-
The Florence Court Apartments have been around for more than a century and it shows. Overlooking the Interstate 35W bridge, the apartments definitely make an impression.
CBS
Despite the sluggish economy, a new student housing project near the University of Minnesota is moving full speed ahead. It combines new development with old existing apartments.
The Florence Court Apartments have been around for more than a century and it shows. Overlooking the Interstate 35W bridge, the apartments definitely make an impression.
Now improvements are in store for the Florence Court Apartments and a new building is moving in nearby.
"I always tell people if they ask where I live I say, 'Of those old looking brick apartments on the 10th Avenue you see.' And they say 'Oh those crappy ones?'" said Florence Court Resident Ryan Bandy.
Built in 1884 as row houses, the historic building has long since been divided into apartments, primarily for U of M students. Rumor is Bob Dylan once lived there.
"It kind of links it to old Dinkytown, and the past Dinkytown, the bohemian lifestyle," said Bandy.
Now the plan is to completely renovate the Florence Court Apartments inside and out; new roof, windows, floors, wrought iron balconies and stairs to replace the old wooden ones.
"There's no question the building is going to look much more appealing," said Developer Clark Gassen.
Phase 1 of the project includes tearing down the BP gas station at the corner of 10th and University Avenues. That's where a new apartment complex will be built, complete with plasma TVs, laundry facilities and free cable and Internet in each unit.
"It'll be two levels of underground parking. The goal is to keep all the vehicles in the ground," said Gassen.
In the middle of the new complex a huge grass courtyard is planned for outdoor movies, concerts and sunbathing in the summer.
Some people who already live at the Florence Court Apartments aren't exactly fired up about the changes.
"It'll be nice to have that downtown and I'm sure it'll be successful with the University crowd around here, but I'd like to see it stay the way that it is," said neighbor Pete Freeberg.
"I think it's destroying a lot of what has made this an important place to live," said Bandy.
Groundbreaking for the new apartment building is in May. They'll be available for the 2010 school year. The completed project will have 121 units and more than 300 bedrooms.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Man Recalls Night Friend Was Shot By Cop
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
