Flats on Broadway project is underway

MONTOUR FALLS—First 208 W. Broadway St. was a school, and then it held county offices until August 2009.  Now, the former Rural-Urban Center is a mixed-use development project called Flats on Broadway.
The public is invited to see the work being done at monthly open houses.  The most recent open house was held last Friday, Jan. 14.  Much like the open houses developer Bruce Nelson held for the Montour House project he also worked on, visitors get to see first hand the changes to the building.  However, it is still earl in the process; Nelson explained work started in mid-December.
“You’ve go to use your imagination,” he added.
He said framing is just about done.  By next month’s open house, Nelson said the electric and plumbing should also be completed.  Sheet rock will be installed after that.  The goal is to have the eight apartments done by Aug. 1.  Nelson said they would start leasing the apartments in February or March.
The building will be mixed-use, again like the Montour House.  The first floor will be used as a commercial space.  Nelson said he is looking for suggestions on what to do with the first floor.  Visitors are invited to offer ideas.
Unlike the Montour House project, Flats on Broadway is not as old.  “It’s 70 years newer,” said Nelson, adding the structure on 208 W. Broadway St. was built in 1922.  He explained the project started out in better shape than the Montour House project.
The interior construction is also different.  Nelson said the design is a more contemporary European style.  The Montour House was required to keep its original historical style.
Renovations of Flats on Broadway were funded by a $776,500 Restore N.Y. grant.  The Montour House also received a Restore N.Y. grant.
Open houses will be held the second Friday of each month, from 6 to 8 p.m.  Anyone can attend.