by Mike Knaak
editor@thenewsleaders.com
Several significant business and commercial plans are changing the look of downtown St. Joseph.
Construction is well underway on the long-planned 24 North Lofts project on College Avenue.
Across the street the old city hall could have a new owner. Aaron Rieland of Bad Habit Brewing is negotiating with the city of St. Joseph to buy the building at 25 College Ave. N.
A block to the northwest, there’s a new restaurant called Grilled Cravings and Quality Ice Cream set to open in the former Cone Castle building at 118 First Ave. NW.
The 17-unit 24 North Lofts should be ready for residents by December, said project partner Jon Petters.
The project includes four two-bedroom units and 13 one-bedroom units in the three-story building.
Footings and a foundation are being poured now.
“Then it will get real exciting when they go vertical,” Petters said.
In addition to the leased residential units, the main floor has space for what developers hope will be a restaurant.
All the residential units will have gas or electric fireplaces and balconies big enough for tables, Petter said.
Rieland said negotiations on price are continuing with the city for the former city hall. He said he doesn’t expect anything final until July.
The Grilled Cravings owners plan to open by the end of May.
Footings are in place for the 24 North Lofts project.
