Sneak Peak at Baldwin City's Luxury Lofts

Kevin Surbaugh

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photographer Kevin Surbaugh

 Work has been progressing on the old schoolhouse at 704 Chapel Street in Baldwin City. If you weren't aware the old building, next door to the current Lighthouse Baptist Church, is undergoing renovations to become the newest apartments in Baldwin City.  The apartments being developed by Flint Hills Management Group, are being billed as Luxury Lofts. While the cabinets are already installed, the counter-tops and appliances are not.  According to Jacqueline Rathbun, Director of Property Management, said that the units will have stainless steel appliances. The units all have high ceilings, with interior walls that only are about three quarters of the height. Ceiling fans help circulate the air throughout the apartment, with a ceiling fan in each bedroom and one in the living area.

photographer Kevin Surbaugh

This past Friday, June 30, 2017, the Schoolhouse Lofts held a sneak peak open house.  Those who stopped by to attend got a chance to see the apartments in a bare bones state.  At least those on the third (top) floor. The apartments or lofts will be one, two are three bedroom. Rathbun, told the Gazette that all of the two and three units are already rented. Amenities will include, Rathbun said, paid trash, water and sewer. The tenant will be responsible for the mandatory electric bill. Cable and internet services, if wanted will also be an option. As for cable or internet, Mediacom, CenturyLink and Direct TV are definite choices and RG Fiber may be a possibility.

While the building isn't handicapped accessible from the entrance on Chapel, it is from what will be the main entrance on the parking lot side on Baker Street. That entrance will have a handicapped ramp so that residents and visitors can access units on the ground floor.

Rathbun told the Gazette, that some of the apartments will meet affordable housing guidelines, with rent on a sliding scale. To qualify an applicants household income must below $29,000 and they cannot be full time students. The rent on one of the remaining one bedroom units will range from $310 to $510. There will also be a $20 application fee as well as a $300 refundable deposit.  Pets are welcome, according to Rathbun, however, there is an additional $200 non-refundable fee for up to two pets.