New Baltimore Street lofts coming to Milwaukee Junction

If all goes as planned, an old warehouse in the city's Milwaukee Junction area will be converted into 12 lofts and available to rent come fall. Developers Edward Siegel and James Feagin have tapped Detroit-based Kraemer Design Group to help design the transformation of 207 E. Baltimore St.

Built in 1914, the building was most recently a warehouse, though vacant of any businesses by the time Siegel and Feagin's 207 East Baltimore, LLC purchased the building in the 2012 tax foreclosure auction. Significant construction work is to take place over the summer as portions of the badly damaged roof have to be replaced, interior demolition occurs, and a second floor is built over part of the building, all resulting in over 10,000 square feet of residential space.

The 12 lofts are being deemed live/work units, meaning that design of the units will incorporate workspaces into each loft. Siegel says its a nod to the building's manufacturing past.

"This seems to be an over-looked area," says Siegel. "It's in a good location in relation to the M-1 Rail construction and the state of the building allows us to have total control of the space."

Siegel and Feagin also own an empty lot across the street where they plan to build an as-yet-to-be-determined development. Siegel says they're thinking mixed-use, which would require a zoning change from the city. The developers are also involved in an art park nearby.

The 207 E. Baltimore development has received a number of financial incentives from the city and state. According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the nearly $1.8 million development is receiving a $225,000 Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based grant. The city of Detroit has granted 207 East Baltimore, LLC a 12-year Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act tax abatement valued at $277,200.

Source: Edward Siegel and James Feagin, partners of 207 East Baltimore, LLC
Writer: MJ Galbraith

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