Welcome New Neighbors: the beginning of a whole new neighborhood persona

August has always been about new beginnings; meeting new people and starting new adventures. More than any other time of year, people are moving. Not only are college students lugging their belongings into new living spaces this month, but the first of 20+ residents are moving into Circa apartments all in one week. Circa’s bright yellow sign emerged on College Ave. in the early part of August and it marks a turning point for the three-street cross-section of College Ave., Massachusetts Ave. and St. Clair.

“Living spaces create the momentum that neighborhoods need to thrive,” says Jake Dietrich, Project Developer with Milhaus. Taking up a prominent position in an already popular neighborhood, Circa has been the focal point of transformation for that intersection. In the not-too-distant past, parking lots and run-down industrial buildings didn’t invite much foot traffic down that side of the street, but now, with its first residents moving in, the area will enjoy a lot more life.

“Interest in living at Circa has been high,” says Dietrich. “Many who will be hauling couches and boxes into their new homes this week put their names on a waiting list back in April and May. The fact that a lot of people have been looking forward to living here is a good sign for the future of the Chatham Arch neighborhood and further development.”

In conjunction with Circa’s first residents moving in, Milhaus gained approval for a new mixed use project at 747 N. College Ave., just north of Circa at the southeast corner of College and St. Clair. Dietrich says, “The 42-unit apartment building designed by DkGr Architects will include 52 structured parking spaces and 8400 square feet of new commercial /retail space for the avenue.” Milhaus intends to create a boutique urban living opportunity with high-end finishes, larger windows and more robust balconies than are typical in the area. “We expect these units to attract very special tenants who want an upscale urban lifestyle,” says Dietrich. “Look for construction to begin in early 2015 with move-in dates the summer of 2016.”