The Farmington Downtown Development Authority is taking on the role of property redeveloper with the goal of increasing residential living options downtown.
The DDA is seeking a private developer via a request for proposal to build a second phase of condominiums at The Orchards condos on Slocum Drive just off downtown's main thoroughfare, Grand River, and Farmington Road.
The first phase of the mixed-residential project was completed in 2006, but after the housing market collapsed the second phase was never completed, says Annette Knowles, executive director of the Farmington DDA.
When the market began to bounce back, the DDA board decided to purchase the property to retain control over what would happen with it, she says. The DDA purchased the property for $95,000 in October.
“Introducing more development that is appealing to those seeking to reside in a downtown environment will help create a more robust economic base to support the business community," she says. "All signs indicate that development of this nature will again meet market demand."
The RFPs are due by March 7 and two inspections for prospective bidders are set for Jan. 13 and 15.
Source: Annette Knowles, executive director, Farmigton Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Kim North Shine
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