Vet Park lofts to be first live/work project in Hamtramck

The Vet Park Lofts, a four-unit mixed-use redevelopment of a former Disabled American Veterans post, received preliminary approval from the Hamtramck Plan Commission last week.

This is the first live/work project for Hamtramck, says Erik Tungate, community and economic development director for the City of Hamtramck.

The three-story building located on Jos. Campau south of Holbrook is located across the street from Veteran’s Park. The two 1,350 square-foot lower units are two-story and will feature 16-foot ceilings, spiral staircases, full basements and rear courtyards. A partial fourth floor will be added onto the building, housing a bedroom for each of the 1,000 square-foot upper units as well as a rooftop deck.

The lofts will feature hardwood maple floors, an appliance package, and garage parking for two cars. They will be priced from $180-190,000. The developer, Christopher Bray, hopes to start construction in late summer and wrap up construction in early 2007.

Bray, a Hamtramck resident, thinks the city is ready for this type of development. “I believe that, right now, Hamtramck offers the most authentic urban experience in all of Michigan in terms of mixed-use, walkability, human scale and independently-owned small businesses. There are so many amenities within walking distance. Plus, Hamtramck’s ethnic makeup enhances the quality of life here.”

Tungate is looking forward to more development of a similar nature in the future. “We haven’t been part of the big loft thing like everyone else. We will be, though; there are several other loft and townhouse development projects in the pipeline for Hamtramck.”

For more information, call Bray at 313-995-3690.

Source: Christopher Bray, developer, Vet Park Lofts and Erik Tungate, community and economic development director, City of Hamtramck