Last week we took a look at two of the major apartment complexes going up in 3rd Ward. Well, we aren’t done yet, there are two more to cover (including one of my most anticipated projects). So, without further adieu, let’s dive in.
Photo via R2L Architects
What is it?
Ascent Uptown is a 300+ unit, 340 foot tall building that will forever change the intersection of 3rd and Poplar
Why do you care?
First and foremost, it’s another surface lot that you don’t have to look at! It will not only develop our skyline and 3rd Ward, Ascent will be an absolutely fantastic addition to the city.
Ascent will add almost 5,000 sq ft of retail space on the ground floor along 3rd Street with an outdoor sitting area at the intersection of 3rd and Poplar. Greystar (the developer) is also planning to add some nice “green” to the project, which will really help add to the agriculture in the area.
This building’s first 11 floors will be parking deck, but to help conceal the concrete, it is being covered on one side by a gigantic art mural and the rest will be covered with glass, siding and greenery.
While some say it will take away from the views at Romare Bearden Park and the Knights Ballpark, I think it will only enhance them.
When can you use it?
Construction is underway however no definitive timeline has been set. It seems like this property is in a race with the Museum Tower and SkyHouse II, so I would imagine they are shooting for a 2016 completion.
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There is another fantastic addition to the skyline, not to be outdone on the mid-rise level, that Woodfield is developing. Let’s take a look at their project under construction now.
Circa Uptown
Photo via Risden McElroy
What is it?
Circa Uptown, previously known as Woodfield-Graham Apartments is a 244 unit apartment complex along Graham Street between MLK and 3rd Streets.
Why do you care?
Again, another surface lot gone! I can really end this section here and that’s good enough. But, I must say there is more! While this complex (sadly) offers no retail, it does offer even more density in 3rd Ward and will really help to increase the area’s population and walkability. Hopefully all these new residents across the street from the ballpark help to continue their great attendance record! Looking down Graham Street towards the ballpark looks a lot different now that Circa and The Mint are in the picture and I, for one, think it looks great.
Photo via Risden McElroy
When can you use it?
It was originally scheduled to start delivering units in Q2 2016, however construction is very far along and seems to be ahead of schedule. At the time of writing, no definitive date has been set yet
While many people say: “ENOUGH APARTMENTS”, I think there is room for all these complexes, especially in 3rd Ward. Our goal as a city is to continue to grow and we won’t grow without places for people to live. We have enough office space coming online in the coming years to support jobs, and in turn residents. So while on the surface it may look like we are overbuilding apartments, in time it will only add to the density of the area. With density comes retail, life outside of business hours and increased walkability. I think this is something we could all agree we need a bit more of.
See you next week!
