BY SHARON GITTLEMAN
FERNDALE- While most people living in Ferndale reside in homes built in decades past, they'll soon have a new option.
Recently, developer Robert Wolfson celebrated the groundbreaking of the four floors of the Lofts on 9 condominiums. The completion date for the 32-unit project has been slated for Spring, 2008.
"We believe our product gives you the feeling of old and new together," said Wolfson. "It's like an old warehouse from the 30s, with a modern twist."
Each 900 to 2,000 square foot condo will feature visible metal ductwork and rooms designed in the clean sparse Italian style. Granite or concrete countertops and concrete or oak flooring are included, with optional fireplaces available.
Rooftop patios are planned for the top floor units with private access through a circular staircase, he said.
Location was a primary factor when Wolfson mulled over where to build his new development.
"We think Ferndale is a vibrant, exciting place to be," he said. "There's a lot of restaurants and bars. It's safe. It's centrally located. Windsor and downtown are reachable in 15 minutes."
The condos will be set near Nine Mile just east of Woodward and will be priced from the low $200,000s to $350,000.
Ferndale's lively downtown helped draw the project to the community, he said.
"It's a place where people are comfortable. They can walk to restaurants and bars," he said. "The attractiveness is being in the middle of the city."
Once the condos are built, a 4,000 square foot upscale retail or office development is expected to be featured at the site.
"We'd like to have a wine and cheese shop," he said.
Residents' parking will be located beneath the building.
A special promotion has caught several media outlets' attention. Anyone who signs up to purchase selected units can choose between a two-year free lease of a Land Rover LR3 or no-interest payments on their condo for a year.
The offer was made to seduce potential purchasers who may be concerned about selling their old homes in a tight market.
Gay buyers may have good reason to give the condos a second look.
"I think anybody gay or not is interested in exciting and interesting things with better style," he said.
For floor plans and a rendering of the future condo development or to find more information, turn to http://www.loftsinferndale.com/ on the Internet.
