By Tim Douglass

tdouglass@pctribune.com  

lenwood could soon be home to a new housing complex that will feature high-end, luxury condominium units right in the middle of the town.

The 32-unit complex, called Franklin Square would be constructed along Franklin Street just west of Central Square in downtown Glenwood and will feature eight housing units on each floor of the four-story building, according to Larry and Josh Zavadil who are the current officers for Franklin Square LLC.  

The complex will be built once the units are pre-sold, according to Joshua Zavadil.  The unique housing units will range from $199,000 to just over $300,000 with most units at about 1,000 square feet and some at about 1,200 square feet of living space.

The unique design of the development should give area residents a different choice in housing.

“What is unique about these living units and the overall design is the bridge that it creates between a typical single-family home with its amenities and merging those into a denser living environment,” said Chass Rising, CEO of Rising Architects of St. Cloud, the firm that designed the complex.  “For instance, each unit will have two underground parking spaces with easy access to three elevators and three stairways.  The comfort continues by providing each unit with its own front porch that creates a personalized entry and the rear balcony creates additional privacy,” Rising explained.  

There are also a variety of options for buyers that allows them to select from “End units” that have increased windows and natural daylight.  

Rising, who is a 1991 graduate of Glenwood High School, also explained that the top floor units have higher ceilings and superior views of downtown Glenwood and Lake Minnewaska.  All owners will have access to the Roof Top Lounge space that has a 44-person capacity.  There development also includes a large open lawn and pet play area, it was stated.

Proximity to Central Square

“All of us at Central Square, including our staff and board of directors, are really excited about the opportunity the arrival of the Franklin Square condo community presents,” said Marie Chan, executive director of Central Square.  “We will welcome our new neighbors and are excited about the potential they bring to further enrich our community space.

Chan said that Franklin Square aligns perfectly with Central Square’s vision of being a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive educational, social, and entertainment hub for everyone.

“Central Square provides a range of amenities catering to diverse interests from enriching arts programs and engaging entertainment events to spaces tailored for various physical activities such as pickle ball, basketball, and indoor walking during the long winter months,” she said.  “These offerings foster social connections and keep individuals of all ages active and engaged.”

“”We eagerly anticipate the increased activity and participation resulting from this new wave of residents. Their presence will undoubtedly contribute to the diverse experiences and interactions within our community,” Chan stated.

Providing unique housing 

Options in the city

Colton Iverson, of Glenwood State Bank Real Estate, is marketing the units and meeting with interested residents on pre-sales.  He said last week that the idea is to  “free up the local housing market.”  He said Franklin Square gives residents the opportunity to move from single-family homes into maintenance-free, luxury living.   “That would open more single-family homes to younger families who currently can’t find those home options in Glenwood,” Colton Iverson said. 

“The Franklin Square project, we believe, is a good project and something that Glenwood needs right now,” said Joshua Zavadil.  

Glenwood City Administrator Dave Iverson agreed.  “After reviewing the concept, it looks like a fantastic development for the city of Glenwood,” Iverson said.  “The city can definitely benefit when there’s a variety of housing options available and this one will certainly add to the betterment of the city,” he added.

Currently in pre-sale status, construction won’t start without advance sales.  

Area residents interested should contact Joshua Zavadil at  joshua.zavadil@gmail.com  or Colton Iverson to learn more about the options available.  

Colton Iverson will soon be setting up a website and using social media to market the units.  There is a virtual tour available now and there are interior photos that give the public a good idea of the quality and design of the condo units.  

Those interested can contact Colton Iverson at Glenwood State Real Estate or call his office at 320-634-1036.  He can be also reached by email at colton.iverson@glenwoodstate.com.