Heer’s developer postpones loft sales event

The event had been slated for June 21 at Trolley’s restaurant on Park Central Square, on which the Heer’s building also sits. However, the recent announcement that the square is eligible for historical designation – a factor that could change the city’s plans to upgrade the square – has had prospective Heer’s loft buyers questioning the project and what their "front yard" will look like, according to Project Manager Chris Woldum.

“Most of their questions we could answer, but not all of them,” Project Manager Chris Woldum said. “Instead of trying to rush and do this thing without a lot of concrete information, we decided to hold off until those details become more solidified, which should happen in the next few weeks.”

The square’s historic eligibility means the city must work with the Federal Highway Administration and State Historic Preservation Office to make sure the square’s historic areas are not negatively affected during the renovation. Because of that, previous redesign plans for the square are being altered, and the city says it likely will not meet the Aug. 1 deadline to begin square renovations, as stipulated in its contract with Blue Urban.

As a result, Blue Urban principal Kevin McGowan said earlier this month that construction on Heer’s would be delayed 60 days – until approximately mid-August – while specifics of the square project are determined.

St. Louis-based Blue Urban plans to spend about $26 million to $30 million turning the Heer’s building into upscale condos above a Mike Shannon’s Steaks and Seafood Restaurant. The original project timeline had construction starting June 1 and wrapping up in about 14 months.

Woldum said a new date for the loft sale event, which allows buyers to select their lofts in the order their deposits were received, has not been scheduled. Leasing agent Michelle Cantrell of Carol Jones, Realtors, is still accepting $2,500 deposits at her office, 3600 S. National Ave., Bldg. B.

As of last week, about 15 buyers had submitted deposits, according to Woldum.