If architect Karl Frizlen and developer Paul Johnson have their way, the city's West Side will soon see a vacant 35,000 sq.', three-storey, 1928 school building converted to modern loft apartments. Karl and Paul are planning on turning the former Catholic Academy, found an 257 Lafayette Street, into a mixed-use project consisting of 20 apartments and an 11,000 sq.' office/daycare space.
This $3,000,000 privately financed proposal is a short walk to a number of destinations, including Guercio's market, Big Orbit Gallery, Left Bank Restaurant, Essex Pub, Quaker Bonnet, Prime 490 Restaurant and Urban Roots. It is also just down the street from Prish Moran's big project on Grant Street, where on Friday, June 6th, The brand new Grant Street Gallery will be hosting its first show featuring the works of R.J.Witzel (RJW Retrospect Show on Friday, June 6th at 4:00pm). This summer will also see the transformation of the Lafayette/Grant corner into café, bistro, flower shop, and artist community center.
It is interesting to note that part of the Frizlen/Johnson proposal is to house offices for both the architect and the developer on the first floor. Plus, the 4000 sq.' daycare center would be an early childhood feeder program for the Aurora Waldorf School. The team is seeking national and state historic designation for the building in order to secure tax credits. In order to move forward, on-site parking in the front of the building would be required in order to meet the city's minimum parking requirements. From Karl:
"We have received community-wide support from the neighborhood residents, blockclubs, the Church of Annunciation, the Sisters of St. Mary next door and the Grant-Ferry Association. There will be a public Planning Board meeting on May 20."