City of Perry receives plans for new apartment development on Northside Drive

PERRY — The City of Perry has received plans for a new apartment development on Northside Drive and are currently in review. The development will be located next to the Chalet Lofts on 1009 Northside Drive. 

According to Community Development Director Joe Duffy, the developer is proposing to build a three-story building with 35 residential units. Duffy said one of the most important features is an amenity space, which will be located on the third floor. 

“It’ll bring unique views of downtown Perry,” he said. 

Duffy also shared future phases of the project including a restaurant, which will be located in a separate structure. 

Last year, the city’s Economic Development Department presented the Northside Drive small area plan due to increasing development interest in the area. The plan was also created to connect the area to downtown. 

During the planning process, there were numerous stakeholder meetings involving the Main Street Advisory Board and the Downtown Development Authority. They identified the highest and best uses in the area. Duffy said the plan is a result of the stakeholder’s engagement. 

He also believes the project’s concept is a direct result of the small area plan. Northside Drive and Macon Road has approximately 25 parcels of land, according to Duffy. He said the plan aims to improve walkability in downtown. 

Duffy shared the apartment development is new for the area, but fits into the city’s comprehensive plan. He said it advises them to promote diversity of different housing options.

“We think it’ll bring a kind of unique style of living. It’ll probably range from young adults to empty nesters and folks of all different backgrounds,” he said. 

He also believes it will cater to people who are interested in an “urban feel” in the city’s downtown. He expects it will help local businesses, and has received feedback saying more foot traffic will be helpful for their small businesses. 

Currently, developers have submitted land disturbance permits, engineering documents and general building plans which are in review. Duffy said the development has now formally been approved. 

He shared the city’s building department provides comments to make sure the code sections are applicable to the building. Additionally, the code sections are being met from a safety perspective.  

Duffy believes if everything goes well with the developer’s plans, they expect construction to start this spring. From there, it is up to the contractors to decide a timeline for the project to be completed. 

Duffy said there has been positive feedback of the Chalet Lofts, and hopes the new apartment development will be viewed as an extension. 

“It will be complementary and be a resource for the downtown Perry community,” he said. 

The apartments will be located at 1015 Northside Drive.