Kansas City developers John Johntz and Andy Battmer are putting the finishing touches on their plans to convert the historic United Department Store into loft space. The building, located at the intersection of 6th and Felix Streets, will have classic

New York style offices and residential lofts with large, wide open spaces and huge windows for plenty of light. 

 “We find that people really love the large, open floor plans. It allows them to move around and the flexibility to be creative with their space.” says Andy Battmer. ”These types of tenants are also drawn to historic buildings like the

United

Building with its unique features. The building is a neoclassical design with beautiful fluted columns on the facade with acanthus leaves and flower rosettes as decorations.”

 While maintaining a simple open floor plan, the lofts will have high-end kitchen and bathroom finishes. The top floor of the three-story

United

Building is one large 7,000 square foot unit. The second floor is divided into three lofts, sized between 1,700 and 2,500 square feet. The spaces will be priced starting at $900.00 per month.

 The

United

Building, originally the

Townsend-Ueberrheim

Clothing

Co.

Building, was built in approximately 1917 and was the home of the United Department Store. It remained a department store until the 1970’s when it closed down. The building declined along with the urban core and went through a number of different uses including retail and storage.  “Almost every contractor that comes to the building remembers visiting as a kid to shop. People have many fond memories about this building. There’s a lot of history here.” says John Johntz the co-developer on the project.  The intersection of 6th and Felix is considered by many to be the heart of Downtown St. Joseph. The city is also pushing to create an arts and entertainment district in the area between 4th and 8th on Felix and Francis Streets and last year began a $1,000,000.00+ streetscape improvement on these streets.  

“This is the best building in St. Joe and these guys are doing a great job. I’m very envious of their project” says Winston Bennett, another Downtown developer,  “We feel great about this project as a compliment to the ongoing revitalization of Downtown St. Joe along with projects like the Lofts at Landmark, Townsend & Hall Lofts,

4th Street

Lofts, Lofts @ 415, the Mead Building Lofts and the renovation of the

Kirkpatrick

Building.” Johntz continues. “We’re excited to get going on this project and are just waiting to finalize our plans” To see the

United

Building space feel free to call (913) 568-7260. 

Posted by: admin on Thursday, April 17th, 2008
Filed under: Investing in St. Joe, General |