COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Work has begun on the Lofts at Milnes Plaza project in downtown Coldwater. Fencing around the site on North Hanchett Street went up last week.
The project was originally scheduled to start in May, but it just announced recently that the financing had been finalized.
The construction of the 50-unit four story building in the Milnes parking lot is expected to take one year to complete.
It’s been almost two years since the site plan was unveiled by Spire Development of Columbus, Ohio.
There have been different opinions about the project. Some wondered if it would help spur downtown development. Concerns included the loss of parking spaces and some have even gone so far as to say it was short sighted and a disaster waiting to happen.
But supporters say it will provide affordable housing. Tom Grywalksi from Spire Development said during a Coldwater Planning Commission meeting last year that the project would attract young couples or families as well as empty nest seniors.
As part of the project, Parrish Excavating of Quincy will be reconstructing the underground utilities which will include repairs and replacement of water, sanitary sewer, electrical and storm sewer utilities to the adjacent buildings on U.S. 12 and North Monroe Street.
