Retail, residential construction
commences on lot by Harry's
By Heather Mangold
City
Editor
After years of emptiness, the lot on State Street
across from Harry's Chocolate Shop is now being made into a new development.
"For 20 years it's been an ugly, ugly site," said
West Lafayette Mayor Sonya Margerum.
State Street Commons, a mixed-use building consisting
of retail and residential space, could be completed as early as March
or April, said property owner Barry Morris.
Margerum joins Morris in his excitement about the
new project.
"I'm delighted with it (the project) because it
has been an eyesore for so long," said Margerum. "It will enhance the
view of the village."
Morris bought the lot from Floyd Fairfield, former
owner of a barber shop that was located on State Street three years
ago.
Morris said he has faith that the project will
be a success.
The new development, known as State Street Commons,
will be leasing new apartments for students beginning next fall. The
development will be 8,000 square feet of retail on the ground floor
and two-bedroom apartments on the top floors. All apartments will include
two bathrooms and will include 702 to 785 square feet. Rent for the
apartments will range from $1,080 to $1,160.
Morris said, like any project, State Street Commons
is a little behind.
"They are having a hard time drilling the elevator
shaft," said Morris.
As construction workers are drilling, loose rock
at 50 feet under is diverting the drilling shaft, making it difficult
to complete the task.
Morris said the project has not been an overnight
success.
"It's taken a long time," said Morris.
Morris had to go through the West Lafayette city
council and the Tippecanoe County Area Plan commission in order to get
the proper zoning laws approved for his project.
Josh Andrew, director of development for West Lafayette,
said the project has been taking a little longer than expected due to
a change in ownership.
"One partner bought out the other," said Andrew.
He said the lot has been vacant for 25 years. Morris
added that Purdue approached him and asked for him to look into building
something in the lot for its placement department.
"We spent a considerable amount of time designing
that," said Morris.
Morris said time was lost because Purdue ended
up not wanting the lot for its department. Morris went on to say that
a second design was drawn and rejected. After the third design was complete,
the project began construction.
Andrew agreed with Margerum in that the lot would
be a benefit to the city after it is completed.
"It's just been sitting there," said Andrew. "On
one of the most expensive parcels of land in Tippecanoe County."
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