Eleven in the Gulch

As I was driving downtown recently, I came across a new apartment development on 11th Avenue North called Eleven in the Gulch or Eleven North.   This is an impressive complex that will have 302 apartments (445 parking places) when it's totally completed.  One, two, and three bedrooms come in a variety of floor plans.  The one-bedrooms rent for $1250 a month and the two-bedrooms are priced at $1,750.  When I stopped by the sales office, they said they had already rented close to 200 units.

Eleven North or "EleveN" boasts a long list of high end amenities such as a salt water pool with spa, outdoor grilling area, fitness center, rooftop lounge with pool tables, sky deck with views of the city, tanning beds, and cyber cafes.  Individual units feature upgrades like granite counter tops, tile back splash, solar shades, and Energy Star appliances, including a wash and dryer.  And, for music lovers, each unit is wired for sound and compatible with docking for mobile devices.

Even with the Velocity, Mercury Lofts and individually-owned units being leased at the Terrazzo and Icon, there has been something of a rental shortage going on in the Gulch.  Eleven North should go a long way in addressing that problem.  The Gulch continues to grow into the vibrant, hip area of downtown Nashville, especially for the younger set.   Lots of fun restaurants, bars, and shopping, along with the Turnip Truck for groceries, make this a great place to live, work, and play.  

If you have an interest in looking at the condos for sale in Nashville or specifically in the Gulch, feel free to contact me at 615-545-8611.  You can also check out my video of Nashville condos, which covers the Gulch, including the Terrazzo, Icon and Velocity.   I look forward to hearing from you!

Tapestry at the Brentwood Town Center

Known mostly for single-family homes with large lots, Brentwood TN has had a shortage of upscale multi-family rental units. That is about to change by the spring of 2013 when the first condos at “Tapestry” will become available. If all goes as planned, by the summer of 2013, Tapestry will be completed and there will be 393 more one and two bedroom condos in Brentwood TN.

Sitting on 7 acres at 300 Centerview Drive (behind the Synergy Center), the multi-use development will play a major part in the Brentwood Town Center plan. 4100 square feet of ground level space will be devoted to retail, which should fit in nicely with its neighbors in the adjoining shopping center (Bricks and City Café). For their residents, Tapestry features two swimming pools and a “fitness bridge,” as well as three courtyards and an outdoor kitchen. The entire project will be built in accordance with the National Association of Home Builders’ Green Standards.

Targeting empty-nesters and young professionals, the Brentwood TN condos will bring 600 to 700 new residents into Brentwood. It’s estimated that this will draw an estimated $10 to $15 million in purchasing power a year into the city. Of course, it will also bring more traffic and congestion. Tapestry has planned 673 parking spaces to accommodate the additional cars.

While I typically concentrate on condos for sale in Brentwood and Franklin, as well as Nashville condos, I thought Tapestry was important enough to share. It will have a major impact on the housing market in Brentwood and the surrounding area. Although there may be a little inconvenience associated with the new apartment complex, it will hopefully be a positive addition to our growing city.

 If you have any questions regarding homes or condos in the Brentwood TN, Franklin TN, or Nashville area, feel free to contact me at 615-545-8611 or 615-545-8611. Thank you!

Jamison Station

It took great vision for Calvin Lehew to turn the old Jamison Mattress factory into the entertainment complex it is today. Since it opened, “The Factory” has been a great addition to downtown Franklin, offering an eclectic variety of retail stores, live theatre, and restaurants, such as Safire and Boxwood Bistro. Based on the Factory’s success and the growth of the city of Franklin, Jamison Station was added in 2007 to provide additional mixed use space that would include residential condos.

Just across the street from The Factory, the new spacious brick townhomes at Jamison Station reflect an industrial look that blends in seamlessly with the neighborhood. The interiors were designed with luxury urban living in mind. Many units include hardwood floors, granite countertops, rough hewn access beams, Viking appliances, and other high-end appointments. Residents also enjoy access to a rooftop terrace for outdoor living with the convenience of a condo.

As a result of unfortunate timing with the real estate market, the development fell into foreclosure. Pinnacle National Bank took over the remaining units and has recently been selling the condos. Pinnacle currently has only six units available; however, (as I write this) they are working contracts on three of those. The prices range from the mid 200s to the mid 400s, depending on square footage. For example, there is a unit with 1731 square feet (2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths) for $250,900.

This could be an excellent opportunity if you have been looking for convenience and style in a popular location like downtown Franklin. Feel free to contact me if you’re interested in these townhomes and I will provide you with the contact person at Pinnacle Bank. I would also love to help you find your perfect condo in Franklin, or Brentwood TN. You can reach me at jeff@jefffulmer.com or 615-545-8611.

Real Estate for Seniors

The type of homes we want will inevitably change as we get older. While we may not be ready for the rocking chair, most of us become less interested in having to climb stairs or doing a lot of yard work or exterior maintenance on our homes. Many also enjoy the community experience of living near others in the same age group. In many ways, a new home can be an exciting new chapter in our lives.

According to the 2010 census, there are 183,000 people living in Williamson County, Tennessee. 25% are age 45 to 64; 8% are 65 and older. That’s roughly 60,000 people in the county who may be looking toward a new home. Developers are seeing the potential in this largely untapped market and responding with senior friendly neighborhoods.

1. Reid Hill Commons is a fairly new development that is specifically designed for age 55 and up. These are attractive units with around 1,500 to 2,000 square feet, 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The prices range is in the mid $200,000s, with $155 a month in association fees that covers exterior maintenance and landscaping. They all have open floor plans with wide halls and wheelchair accessibility. Located off Highway 96 West, it’s a short (mile and half) drive to downtown Franklin.

2. Hardison Hills is not exclusively for seniors, but many units are on a single level, making them a popular choice with seniors. Most have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and approximately 1150 square feet. These units go for around $150,000; association fees are based on square footage, but are currently under $100 a month. This association fee covers exterior maintenance and landscaping, as well as a community swimming pool and tennis courts. Hardison Hills is near Reid Hill on Downs Blvd. in Franklin.

3. Parkside at Aspen Grove is another fairly new development in Franklin. While it’s not for seniors (and all ages live here), I included Parkside because they are single level units and have elevators from the underground garages, making it easy on the knees. The units typically go for around $200,000. They have $225 association fees, which covers all exterior maintenance, pool and tennis courts. This is a gated community in the heart of Cool Springs.

4. Morningside has been a popular senior community in Cool Springs since 1998. At around $200,000 to $300,000, there are a variety of floor plans to choose from. For under $100 a month in association fees, you receive exterior and landscape maintenance, including a small scenic lake. For additional fees, there is also 24 hour assistance available to help residents with daily tasks.

5. Fieldstone Farms is a large development in Franklin, just off Hillsboro Road. With lots of homes and condos, Fieldstone caters to every type of person at every phase of life. However, many of these homes are on one level or, at least, have a master bedroom on the first floor. Association fees vary from $45 to $90, depending on whether you want access to the pool. Everyone is responsible for their smallish lots, and everyone has access to well-maintained walking trails and a playground. With a grocery store and a pharmacy right across the street, along with a couple of restaurants, there is an ease and convenience to living here.

Of course, this is not a complete list of possibilities. There are many other homes in Franklin at every price level, as well as Brentwood TN condos that could perfectly fit the next stage in your life. If you’d like to discuss or look for a home that matches your lifestyle, feel free to contact me at 615-545-8611, jeff@jefffulmer.com, or at my website, www.jefffulmer.com

TWO NEW UP-AND-COMING CONDO DEVELOPMENTS IN FRANKLIN TN

While 2011 was a challenging year in real estate, there were positive signs of growth. A couple of bright spots in our own Williamson County backyard are two new Franklin TN condo developments. Gateway Village and Grant Park are both mixing residential, retail and office space, creating a complete living experience for homeowners.

According to Realtracs/MLS, Camden Gardens within Gateway Village had 20 sales, more than any other condo development in Williamson County, TN in 2011. After a few years, it seems like this development has found its footing and is beginning to establish itself as its own center of activity. Priced in the $200,000s, these are spacious new units with 1500 to just over 2,000 square feet.

The success of restaurants Mack and Kate’s and Sopapilla’s has helped bring people to Gateway where they discover a blossoming planned community. On Franklin Road and Moore’s Lane, Gateway is located in Cool Springs, while also being a hill line removed from the mall and I-65. As its name implies, it is positioned to be a northern entry point to the city of Franklin.

With a dozen sales (Realtracs/MLS) in 2011, Grant Park is another success story in Franklin. From the people who brought you Westhaven, the planned community experts at Southern Land Company have set their sights on the new area off of McEwen, between Cool Springs and 96 East. Grant Park is located within the larger mixed-use McEwen Town Center and is walking distance to Whole Foods, Brick Top’s, and Brixx’s.

Like other Southern Land developments, this is upscale, gated community with upgrades and amenities such as a club house, pool, and fitness center. Starting in the $300,000s and going into the lower $400,000s this is a great opportunity to get in on established communities in the new growth area of Franklin. (At this writing, Grant Park is currently offering free upgrades on several units).

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions or would like to take a look at Gateway Village, Grant Park, or any other condos in Franklin, Brentwood, or Williamson County. You can get in touch with me at 615-545-8611 or jeff@jefffulmer.com. Thanks!