by Bailey White
Staff Writer
Twelve one bedroom apartments today, six luxury townhomes tomorrow.
San Marco Boulevard will soon see the conversion of an apartment building into upscale townhomes, a style of living that Richard Cook, the project’s developer, sees flourishing.
“I’ve been looking at different housing across the state. I think this lifestyle is going to be catching on,” said Cook.
The building is a block from San Marco Square, which, according to Cook, will emphasize the urban feel the residences will have.
“Residents will be able to walk out their door and stroll to some of the best dining and shopping around,” said Cook. “Even the new library will be within walking distance.”
Mary Ann Kuebla, a realtor with Prudential, is handling the sale of the townhomes with her brother Bill Thorton. She said three of the six units have been spoken for, and as soon as state permits are obtained, contracts will be signed.
“Once we have four contracts signed we can start construction,” said Kuebla. “We’re in the preconstruction phase right now. People can take part in the designing, deciding whether or not they want the three bedrooms and three full baths in the plans. Some people may want only a half bath downstairs. Or they’ll decide to add crown molding. They can pick what they want.”
Cook emphasizes the high-end nature of the units: “We’re planning Bosch appliances, granite throughout. Since there are only six, we can let people customize them.”
Prices start at $331,425 and the projected finish date is late spring. The units will vary in square footage, from 1,500-1,650, not including the two-car covered garage that comes with each townhome.
Another element is a room behind the building for residents to use as they see fit. Cook envisions it as a guest suite, exercise room or meeting house, but the residents will get to decide its use.
“They will, in a sense, be their own association,” said Cook.
Cook said the property was built in the 1950s and the architects plan to keep the basic structure of the building.
“We’ll convert the style more to old Florida looks, the old San Marco Mediterranean feel,” said Cook.
Adds Kuebla, “it will be completely gutted, with a new roof, new plumbing, new electrical units and new windows.”
Cook, who lives in the Alexandria apartments in San Marco, said he saw people there wanting to convert their property into townhomes with two floors.
“They’re trying to turn these flats into townhomes. Hopefully this will take off,” he said.
Cook said the project is a break from his usual work, which is large scale commercial properties in South Florida. But he is enjoying working so close to home.
“Part of the fun of renovation is seeing something and trying to make it a little better,” he said.