Residents start moving into lofts in Dearborn's West Downtown

Thursday, September 4, 2008 | Source: metromode

Work is wrapping on Dearborn's Gateway and Horizon lofts projects so people can begin moving into them later this month.

The developer of the two rental-loft developments in Dearborn's West Downtown has been focusing on finishing the residential units above the ground-floor retail space this year. When finished, the projects are expected to provide living options for young professionals in the center of downtown on Michigan Avenue.

More than half of each development's units are taken and availability at both projects is dwindling, according to Amer Zahr, leasing agent for both developments.

Horizon Lofts, at the corner of Michigan and Howard Street, is the furthest along in being fully leased. It features 24 homes on the second, third and fourth floors of the 4-story building. Of those the entire second floor is leased and occupied while the third and fourth floors are filling up quickly. Most of the ground floor retail space is also filled with the likes Buffalo Wild Wings and Panera Bread.

The units at Horizon Lofts range in size between 1,000 and 1,700 square feet. Prices for one-bedroom lofts start at $1,300 a month while two-bedroom lofts will go for $1,900 a month. It will also feature a recently finished fitness center and an in-the-works roof-top deck. Both Horizon and Gateway lofts offer free WiFi.

Gateway Lofts is on the southwest corner of Michigan Avenue and Military Street, a stone's throw away from Horizon Lofts. The new 2-story building features eight lofts, ranging in size from 1,100-1,500 square feet. They all have one bedroom and a den. Prices start at $1,000 per month and go as high as $1,550.

Caliente Grille, a Mexican food restaurant, is on the ground floor. There is enough retail space on the ground floor to accommodate up to four other businesses.

Source: Amer Zahr, leasing agent for Horizon and Gateway lofts
Writer: Jon Zemke