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In an effort to kick-start the stalled Harrison Square condominium project, the city said it is open to having businesses in the upper floors of the proposed building instead of residents.
Greg Leatherman, executive director of redevelopment, said there have been multiple conversations between local developers and Barry Real Estate to include offices in The Harrison instead of residential condos. Barry is the Atlanta-based developer of The Harrison project, previously touted as a $14.5 million mix of residential and retail.
“We all still realize the best thing to happen is for more people to live downtown,” Leatherman said. “That doesn’t mean they necessarily have to live right at that spot.”
The project would still have to be of similar quality as Parkview Field and the Courtyard by Marriott that is under construction, Leatherman said, and it would have to support stores and restaurants that bring people downtown after normal business hours.
“What we want more than residential for that area are things that bring people downtown,” he said.
City Council President Tom Smith, R-1st, said he was pleased with the news. He had previously suggested looking at using the building for office space.
“I’m happy to see that shift,” he said. “It will probably result in that building going up much sooner than later.”
Smith said residences could still be built in other areas of downtown, including the area along Baker Street, just south of Parkview Field.
Leatherman said the latest discussions do not eliminate a residential component in The Harrison – a few people have put money down for condominiums – but the city is trying to help the project progress.
“We remain flexible to good ideas,” he said.
Barry is under contract with the city to construct the residential/retail building near the intersection of West Jefferson Boulevard and Ewing Street.
The project was supposed to have been completed by June 1, but it has yet to begin construction.
The city redevelopment commission sent a letter to Barry in June to get a construction schedule that can be met so the agreement between Barry and the city can be renegotiated. Barry responded later that month, but its response was not released publicly.
Leatherman said a final agreement with Barry has yet to be reached, but he is encouraged by the expression of interest in office space at The Harrison.
“It’s a great opportunity that needs to be explored,” he said.
Barry is a development partner with Hardball Capital, which owns the Fort Wayne TinCaps. The baseball team collects most of the revenue from the city-owned stadium, and members of the City Council and redevelopment commission have said the revenue agreement could be altered because Barry has not met its commitment on The Harrison.
Leatherman said the city has decided against sending a notice of default to the developer seeking monetary damages. This would not hasten a successful project, he said. He added that a final agreement could include additional concessions for the city.
Representatives from Barry Real Estate did not return calls seeking comment.
