Work is well underway on 298 Main Street. Back in 2012, after law firm Damon & Morey vacated the building, Kissling Interests decided that it was time to convert the top floors of the11-storey structure into residential. It is said that the developer strategically waited to use tax credits that would help them along with the conversion. Work is starting on the upper floors which will soon feature high end apartments. Carmina Wood Morris is project architect.
Kissling initially purchased 298 Main Street in 2011 for $2.6 million, banking on office tenants. As the market has changed, so has the plan. Originally, the developer intended to invest $2 million into renovating the circa-1917 building for updated office spaces. Shortly after Damon & Morey moved to the Avant, it became clear that it was going to be tough to go the office route, which is when residential began to look more attractive.
Unfortunately, Globe Market is no longer open on the first floor – a nearby hotdog vendor surmised that maybe the construction work might have signaled the end for the restaurant. The good news, is that just down the street at D’Avolio, it’s virtually impossible to get a seat at lunchtime unless office workers plan ahead and get there by 11:30am. Last Friday around 50 customers walked in and then walked out due to lack of tables. Hopefully the Globe Market space remains a restaurant – maybe Kissling has connections at Chipotle?