JC — University Edge Project Finally Begins (Knoxville, Johnson City: apartment complex, movers)

[jabogitlu]

The University Edge apartment complex’s developers hope construction won’t take as long as all the steps that have come so far, now that they’ve gained financing for the $23 million project near East Tennessee State University.

Rick Kirk, of Hallmark University Housing, said earthmovers should be breaking ground any day on the 12-acre site bounded by West Watauga Avenue, Taylor Street, Love Street and Highland Avenue, just east of ETSU.A ceremonial groundbreaking is set for 10 a.m. May 19.

Those are reasons last week’s news didn’t just make Kirk happy, as multiple players — ETSU and the JCDA among them — believe hundreds of new residents in three large apartment buildings will have a huge positive impact on south Johnson City.



What I thought was interesting was this quote, from developer Kirk: "I came down with two lenders from Columbus, and they did a drive-through to really see what was going on at the school and were impressed. ETSU is not a school that would be typically discussed in a conversation with some nationally known state institutions, but when you look at the specifics of the programs, the athletics and the forward-thinking leaders, those folks really have the school going in the right direction."

Whoda thunk it? I think that with this project and the various other redevs happening all over South JC (Greenwood Drive, State of Franklin, Buffalo St south of downtown) this is the place to be in Johnson City. And interestingly I think that as Johnson City grows, we're beginning to see the formation of a polished, shiny, noveau North JC and a grounded, hip, funky South JC. I'm proud to be a south resident for 3 years and hopefully for several more.

JohnsonCityPress.com - Local News - Johnson City, TN

[jabogitlu]

There's some interesting info and renderings here on page 16: http://blogs.thepost.ohiou.edu/media...ty Housing.pdf

Looks like these guys were responsible for Quarry Trail in Knoxville, too! I'm really excited about this project

[mbmouse]

Very nice! I hope this project gets completed soon. Ii think your right Jab, South JC is becoming very interesting and appealing to students and young in age or heart.