My first visit to what I then called the “John H. Daniel Building” offered an interior (and to a lesser extent exterior) view that is hard to comprehend about nine months later. Assuming you haven’t seen the original article or it’s been a while, I would encourage you to go there now and at least look at the photographs before you read this article.
The subsequent months have seen an intense barrage of activity both inside and outside the building and the payoff is finally here. After considering construction of over 100 units in the building, partners Ron Turner and Jon Clark decided to build fewer, but to build homes they themselves would enjoy. The result later this spring will be a total of 69 units, but for now 31 units were awaiting the final certificate of occupancy, which was anticipated any day.
Around ten of the units have been pre-leased with the first occupant ready to move in as soon as clearance is given. Others will move in over the next couple of months and the remaining pre-leases are available on The Daniel website or by calling 865-264-0699. The remaining 38 units, which Jon Clark described as a bit “more formal,” will be available for move-in around April and several of those have also been pre-leased. The floor plans for the current and future units may be found on the website, as well.
The extra touches included in the building and the units are obvious from entry into the lobby which features a wood-panel wall and re-purposed brick from another portion of the building covering what was once a window onto the street which once bisected the buildings. It carries over into basement floors sanded to expose the river rock from the Tennessee which were used for the original concrete nearly 100 years ago.
The striking windows throughout are notable for several reason. As you can see in the photographs, many of them are massive lighting the building and units in ways I never would have expected. Additionally, all the windows – on every side of the building – were selected for sound abatement to minimize the sounds of passing trains. Finally, the arched window openings in the back have arched windows as opposed to fillers at the top like many downtown buildings. All these features drove up expenses, but the developers thought the touches mattered.
The entire building is also wired for AT&T/U-verse fiber-optics with 18 MB download speeds, which should be some of the best internet service downtown. Residents will also be offered optional reserved parking and basement storage. Each unit features quartz counter tops and comes with new washer-dryer units and high-efficiency appliances. Cabinets are independent construction and windows are 3/8 inch glass.
Lead designers for McCarty Holsaple McCarty were Jeff Johnson and John Thurman and the units all seem to offer something special, from high ceilings to mezzanines included in some of the units. Spaces I could not have imagined being utilized have be converted into units, including one of my favorites – you can see it in the picture here – it’s small and partially below ground, but the windows open onto the alley behind Java – one of my favorite spots in the city and the art in the alley is visible from inside.
Size ranges tremendously, and with it, of course, so does cost. Jon told me that the typical rate downtown right now runs about $1.50 per square foot per month. Studio units start at 460 square feet, while the larger units measure over 1600 square feet. Prices start at just over $700 and moves upward with design, size and floor.
In addition to the residential units, the building includes seven retail or office spaces. One will open soon as Old City Wine Bar, one will be used by Brighton Developers to manage this and other properties. Of the five remaining, interested parties have inquired, but as of this week they are not under lease.
Given the possibility of restaurant usage, I asked about a grease interceptor and was told a 2,000 gallon interceptor was installed that could be used by any of the ground-floor retail spaces. Provisions have also been made for the possibility of a hooded exhaust system should be that be needed.
Readers of this blog need no reminder that we live in an amazing time for the city. This is one of the first major shifts which will change the Old City. It’s also a test of demand for downtown residences along with Marble Alley (progress on which I hope to have an update soon), so by this summer we should have a good idea of where we stand. Early indications are that demand is not sated as both apartments and condominiums continue to be snapped up – even at escalating prices.
So, if you like what you see here, give them a call or arrange a tour today.