April 4, 2003
The Monroe Evening News
New face in town
New condominiums on the site of the former Steel
Castings are ready for occupancy
By SCOTT NEINAS
Evening News staff writer
Beth Winner moved to Monroe because of its
proximity to Detroit Metropolitan Airport, affordable housing
and resemblance to her hometown of Chicago.
While there's nothing like the Sears Tower
in Monroe, the Townes on Front Street, with their brick
facades and closeness to the sidewalk, have the likeness
of rowhouses typical in big cities.
Ms. Winner is one of the first residents to
move into what will be an 18-building complex on the southwest
corner of W. Front and S. Roessler Sts.
"I like the brick. I'm from Chicago so
I like the rowhouse look of it," she said. Ms. Winner
moved to Michigan in 1998 and lived in Ypsilanti and Canton
before moving here in December. She works as a flight attendant
for Northwest Airlines and, for her, the Townes was a perfect
fit. She saved money all last year with the goal of buying
her first piece of property. After looking at several options
around the Detroit metropolitan area, she chose Monroe,
partly because the condos start at $119,000 and partly because
of their urban look.
She realizes, however, that Monroe is no metropolis.
"I like Monroe. It's a very cute, quaint
town," she said, adding that she's already visited
several downtown shops. "It's springtime now so I know
I'll get out more."
Crosswinds Communities is marketing the 102-unit
development along with 14 other projects in southeast Michigan,
including Mason Run at E. Elm Ave. and N. Dixie Hwy. Both
Monroe projects have been built on brownfields, abandoned
industrial property that required environmental cleanup
paid for by the tax revenue the city captures. The Townes
is built on the former property of Monroe Steel Castings,
which closed several years ago.
Nancy Rosen, a company spokeswoman, said 13
of the first batch of 24 condos have been sold. Most of
the buyers haven't moved in yet, however, as city records
show only two certificates of occupancy have been issued.
"We think it will really benefit the
community," Ms. Rosen said. "The use of the property
gives the city added tax revenue, eventually the homeowners
will use area grocery stores, gas stations, it's a boost
to local retailers as well."
Ms. Rosen said sales are "on track,"
and that all 18 buildings should be built by the end of
2004. So far, the first building, facing Front, is finished;
a second building, facing Roessler, is almost done, and
the third under construction.
Ms. Rosen said the proximity to downtown and
the convenience of condo living - units come with landscaping,
carpeting and air conditioning already in place - are helping
to attract buyers.
"You're basically walking into a finished
house," she said.
The main living area is on the second floor,
with bedrooms, bathrooms, living room and a kitchen, while
a den and two-car garages take up the lower level.
Unfortunately for Ms. Winner, as much as she
likes her new home, she doesn't know how long she'll stay.
Airlines are laying off employees by the thousands and she
doesn't know if she'll be included in the next round.
"I haven't decorated," she said.
"Once I know what my job will be like I'll start moving
on it. It's a very unstable time right now."
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