Condo Conversion: The Epic Continues

8/20/2009 – Transitions... It's been a couple of years since the owners of our building announced they were planning on converting to condos.

More than a year ago, longer-term residents were sent a letter explaining their eligibility for a moving assistant payment when and if mandatory move-outs were required. The earliest possible move-outs would have been earlier in 2009.

But with the economy in its current state, it looks like financing may be hard to come by, so the process is in limbo.

On July 30, management told this reporter that "The likelihood of the conversion happening within a year are nil. … Odds are it will be 3 years."

Fortunately, management has kept its promise not to raise rents any further before the conversion occurs.

So, until the housing market begins to heal itself, it looks like many residents will be sticking around.

Light Rail Construction Phase 1 Complete

8/20/2009 — The construction of the Metro Gold Line light rail project has moved into its next phase, with the completion of the rail infrastructure itself, and the start of test runs for the trains.

This is good news for residents of 900 E. 1st, as the noise generated by the project has virtually disappeared — at least for the present. The next phase of construction — the widening of the 1st Street Bridge — has yet to begin, and has the potential to provide even more noise from heavy construction.

Fortunately, the all-night construction noise has abated for the moment. Banking plenty of sleep and stocking up on ear plugs before the next phase begins are recommended.