From the Ground Up: Bears Crossing Apartments

Owner/developer: Wicks-Wise LLC
General contractor: Wicks Construction
Architect: James O’Donnell
Engineers: Anderson Engineering, civil; Tom Edelman Engineering, structural; Latifi Engineering, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 12,000 square feet
Estimated cost: $1.6 million
Lender: CU Community Credit Union
Estimated completion date: May 1
Project description: Bears Crossing Apartments will comprise eight 1,500-square-foot four-bedroom rental units and on-site parking across from Missouri State University, according to Marc Wicks, co-owner of Wicks-Wise. Wicks said the developers purchased the property in June 2011 – then home to an 11-unit residence originally built in 1893 – with plans to demolish the structure and rebuild. Springfield City Council on Oct. 8 approved a redevelopment plan for Bears Crossing and an accompanying blight designation, which allows Wicks-Wise to receive 100 percent tax abatement on property improvements for 10 years. Wicks said the apartments, with lease rates of $1,800 per month, will feature hardwood floors, free cable and Wi-Fi.

Send project info to bbrown@sbj.net.