Progress

Interest in condos on East Northampton pleases developer and area chamber’s CEO, who say that improvements downtown create more enthusiasm to live there

January 12, 2010

Rising appeal for W-B lofts

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
Bill O'Boyle on Facebook   |   @TLBillOboyle on Twitter

WILKES-BARRE – Interest in downtown living is becoming so popular that the developer of 21 condominiums on East Northampton Street is considering other possible sites where it could build more units.

Jack Kay, president and chief executive officer at Susquehanna Real Estate in York, developers of Elevations-Lofts on Main, Monday said eight of the 21 condos have been reserved and many people have expressed interest in looking at the units when they are near completion.

“We’re very pleased with the response so far,” Kay said. “The pacing is good; I see a lot of enthusiasm. I think it validates the general premise that downtown Wilkes-Barre has enough going on as a critical mass of amenities that people want to choose to live there.”

Kay’s assessment of the trend to live in downtown was supported by Todd Vonderheid, president and CEO at the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry.

“Last week I spent a couple of hours looking at potential sites with Jack Kay,” Vonderheid said. “We were always bullish on this project and we are thrilled that our optimism is becoming a reality.”

Vonderheid said potential development sites can be found throughout the downtown.

“Let me just say some are more obvious than others,” he said.

An open house will be held at the lofts on Jan. 31, said Phil Briddell, project manager for Susquehanna Realty. He said that once people see the quality of the lofts and the views, interest will become even more intense.

The unit sizes range from 789 to 1,655 square feet, with prices between $120,000 and $250,000. There are one- and two-bedroom units available that feature large windows and 9-foot ceilings. Other amenities include granite counter tops, hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances, central air conditioning, sheltered parking and a video-enhanced security entrance system.

Because the project is located in the city’s Keystone Opportunity Zone, property taxes are deferred for 10 years, said Peg Torbik of Lewith and Freeman Realtors. Condo owners will pay a $295 monthly maintenance fee.

Kay said the location offers residents the ability to walk to Public Square, Barnes & Noble, Boscov’s, the F.M. Kirby Center and numerous restaurants and bars. The River Common park is two blocks away and the Movies 14 theater is right below their feet.

“It’s an absolutely great location and the price is right,” Kay said. “I can’t help but get excited when I get to downtown Wilkes-Barre; it seems every week something new is happening. I think our project is contributing to that momentum.”

Kay said he has no specific plans about other developments in the city, but acknowledged that he has had discussions about other possible sites.

“We’ve gotten to know the community and the elected officials,” Kay said. “Nothing would please me more than to do another project like this one.”

Mayor Tom Leighton said Wilkes-Barre has come a long way in the last six years since he took office.

“And we are accomplishing these things during difficult economic times,” Leighton said. “It just shows that if you take your time and do solid projects, results happen.”

Vonderheid said the “walk-to-everything” lifestyle is catching on in Wilkes-Barre as evidenced by several older buildings being renovated in the city’s historical district.

“Now that housing is becoming available for people to consider, they are opting for the downtown,” Vonderheid said. “The loft units are spectacular; they offer all the amenities you want and need in a home. Our hope is for more projects like this one.”

Bill O’Boyle, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7218.

Tweet	Follow @TLnews

Send Question or Remark to the Publisher