Construction has resumed on the renovation of the historic Deville Apartments, a classic example of midcentury modern architecture tucked away on North Street between 11th and 12th streets in downtown east.
Collis Temple’s estimated $2.5 million overhaul of the three-building complex, which was supposed to be completed one year ago, was put on hold for several months and is still only about 70% completed.
But Temple, who owns the property and is the contractor on the renovation, says the project is back on track and that he hopes to have it completed by the end of the year.
The project has taken much longer than originally projected for a couple of reasons. The work needed was more extensive and costly than first anticipated. Also, Temple shuffles his workforce around among several projects and had other jobs he wanted to finish first. He also decided to reconfigure one of the buildings in the rear of the complex from 52 to 44 units.
Once completed, Temple will market the complex to young professionals. Lease rates will range from $800 for a 600-square-foot one-bedroom unit to $950 for an 800-square-foot two-bedroom unit.
Though several new multifamily complexes have opened in the downtown area since Temple began work on the Deville, he believes there is still plenty of demand for his inventory.
“If you have something that is unique, there is always a market for unique, quality housing,” he says.
Dyke Nelson, who has renovated several historic buildings downtown, is the architect on the Deville, which was built in 1956 by A.C. Lewis. It is marked by its glass-front units, which overlook a terraced swimming pool.
Temple is using state and federal historic building credits to help finance construction of the project.
—Stephanie Riegel
