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Local |
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Condominiums for downtown? By ANDIE LEATHERMAN, LTN Staff Writer Dec. 24, 2001 - If a Charlotte developer has his way, condominiums will overlook the courtsquare in downtown Lincolnton. Architect Ron Morgan, owner of Urban Ventures, hopes to build a three story building in what is now a municipal parking lot. The building would face the courtsquare and East Sycamore Street. The top two floors would house 12 condominiums. A restaurant is planned for the ground floor and possibly a new city council meeting room. Another option for the ground floor is a large office, most likely a legal firm. At the March city council meeting, Morgan will ask the town to partner with him on less than a quarter of the building cost. While Morgan is enthusiastic about the project, Lincolnton’s mayor questions whether the town is ready. “It’s a big jump. You never know,” Bobby Huitt said. “I don’t think we’re ready for that.” Huitt dismissed any plan for relocating the city’s council chambers. “We’ll stay where we are at,” he said. Morgan met with a committee of Lincolnton realtors, business owners and Business and Community Development staff and City Manager Jeff Emory last week. He told the group the project would be built to look as if it had always been there, blending with the historic architecture. Morgan is working on a similar project in Morganton. When the town’s 26-space parking lot was placed on the market, Morgan saw the opportunity. A parking garage is planned for beneath the project. Morgan said most of the condominiums would sell for under $100,000. He has already talked with people interested in purchasing units. If the project gets off the ground, Morgan said he would like to continue developing around the square. Downtown development director Brad Guth is excited about the project. “It would add another level of activity,” he said. Guth stressed the project is still in the exploratory phase. “We’re trying to get a broad consensus whether we should proceed,” he said. A hotel was the original building on the site. At other times, a chamber of commerce, bowling alley and hardware store sat in what is now a parking lot.
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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