Lee Lofts Project Reports Full Occupancy and Waiting List for Downtown Housing

The Lee Lofts project in downtown Salina has achieved full occupancy and established a waiting list for its residential units, according to developer Austin Kack during a recent Board of Zoning Appeals meeting.

"Occupancy has been pretty great," said Cack, who reported that the project's second phase had a full waiting list by the time it opened. "By the time that development leased up to the time we put the next one in, it already had a full waiting list again."

The Lee Lofts complex, located at the southeast corner of Elm Street and Santa Fe, is being developed in three phases. Phase one contains 53 apartments, phase two has 50 units, and the upcoming phase three is planned for 37 units, bringing the total to 140 residential units upon completion.

Cack noted that the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, which provides funding for the project, requires developers to demonstrate a waiting list of at least the same number of units being proposed. The Lee Lofts project has successfully met this requirement.

The historic property, originally constructed between 1905 and 1928, was the site of HD Lee's hardware business and operations. In 2008, the buildings were recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

The current redevelopment preserves these historic structures while converting them to residential use.

According to Cack, the downtown location contributes significantly to the project's popularity.

"I think being downtown helps a lot too. I think folks like living down there and having access to all the amenities," he said.

The developer indicated that construction on phase three could begin as early as mid to late January if approvals proceed as planned. The project team has already submitted drawings to the city and is working toward finalizing the necessary permits.