Lofts project ascends to new heights

ESCANABA - The Escanaba Planning Commission signed off on the Lofts on Ludington downtown project Thursday night after the project was initially stalled in a 3-3 planning commission vote last month.

Escanaba City Councilman Thomas Warstler, in his comments before placing the issue for a vote, noted the building, the former Delta Brewery, now identified as a blighted area, would be a gem for the city of Escanaba once it's completed.

Project developers have received nine additional off-street parking spaces for the apartment/retail complex. Even though parking for the area still falls short of city ordinance, it's received a variance from the Escanaba Zoning Board of Appeals.

One question raised Thursday concerned the concept of ramp parking and how traffic in and out of the basement parking lot would be controlled.

"A light system would be installed to warn tenants using the ramp entrance of the presence of another vehicle," said Matt Sviland, who owns the building and is developer for Lofts on Ludington.

Don Shirley, representing the Delta Landlords Association, said he was supportive of the concept presented by Sviland.

"My concern, however, is that one-bedroom apartments are difficult to rent and keep rented," he said.

Shirley said the turnover rate for one-bedroom apartments was fast, while rental of two bedroom apartments was more stable.

Escanaba Downtown Development Authority Director Roger Good said he has experience with large projects, including parking issues faced by businesses in the downtown area.

"This is a huge development for the west end of Escanaba, and a boon for the downtown district. This project is well on its way now that the parking issues have been addressed," said Good.

Following public comment on the issue, the commissioners each added their own comments before unanimously approving the request.

Some commended Sviland for what they called his bold thinking.

"This is the beginning of a new beginning for downtown. This is a must go," said Commissioner Dennis Renken.

Commissioner Steve Buckbee said he appreciated Sviland's tenacity in finding the nine additional parking spaces to make the project go forward.

Jon Liss, however voiced his concerns about the parking issue, and said the issue would lead to grumbling. He said there was still strong opposition to the project, adding, "it's still a good plan."

Jason Gasperich echoed Liss' sentiments concerning the grumbling and opposition to the plan.

"You needed to find 10 more parking spaces and you came up with nine. That is alright, let's get going," he said.