Construction of the Eastgate Lofts, the new apartment complex at the old Allen County Hospital site, continues humming along at such a pace that the apartments should be in place by the end of September.
Representatives from Iola Industries, Iola and Allen County governing bodies and others from the community were given a tour of the construction site Monday afternoon.
The roof was finished earlier Monday, and with doors and windows in place, interior work can proceed regardless of weather, noted Fred Apt of Iola Industries.
Stairwells and balconies should be in place in short order, Apt said, allowing the pace to quicken even further because workers will have easier access to do second-floor work.
The construction project is being overseen by developer Tom Carlson, working on behalf of Iola Industries, which is paying for the apartment complex’s construction.
The apartments will measure about 900 square feet, complete with two bedrooms and 1 1/2 bathrooms.
“The apartments have a modern floor plan with modern design,” added David Toland, executive director of Thrive Allen County. “These apartments will have very efficient use of space.”
While not all of the apartments are specified as ADA compliant, all have amenities accessible to most senior citizens, Toland continued.
Already, six of the 12 apartments have been accounted for, he said.
“People should act fast if they want one of these units,” Toland said. “They’re going like hot cakes.”
Rent has been pegged at $685 a month, plus electric. To inquire about renting an apartment, contact Apt, who will manage the apartments, at (620) 202-1026.
The plan is for an additional eight units to be built after the existing structure is finished, although Iola Industries still must sign off on the second construction project.
MEANWHILE, Toland briefed the audience on progress for the G&W Grocery next door.
Toland noted two recent G&W acquisitions in Fort Scott and Independence slowed the company’s plans for Iola.
