A new senior citizens housing complex in downtown Ironton will soon begin full operation after crews finish the last stages of construction.

Saturday, July 22, 2000

A new senior citizens housing complex in downtown Ironton will soon begin full operation after crews finish the last stages of construction.

The Marting Hotel is being transformed into the Park Avenue Apartments by Arthur Howard Winer and Associates.

The once-famous 1917 building, transformed back to its original glory, will offer apartments to senior citizens.

The complex will open officially within the next 30 days pending completion of second floor renovations, although reservations are being taken already for the new apartments.

And, although the project has taken a little longer than anticipated, the developers retained much of the historic design of the once-famous elegant downtown night spot.

"This project had a lot of custom construction," said Arthur Winer, owner of Arthur Howard Winer and Associates. "Each room will be different because of various historical requirements. Because this project was funded by a combination of historic credits, low income credits, state grants, a federal home loan and a developer’s loan, we had to be particularly watchful on preserving the historic nature of the building."

Custom-made storm windows were installed inside each room to make rooms more energy efficient and to preserve the existing windows of the structure, he said.

Winer added that because of the state funding, the apartment complex will follow low income housing guidelines.

"The Park Avenue Apartments will be a housing complex for residents 55 and older," he said. "There are low income guidelines that we will have to follow, but this apartment complex can be more accurately described as more affordable living for these individuals."

In addition to its historic flavor, Winer said Park Avenue Apartments will provide seniors with some amenities not typical of senior apartments, Winer said.

"The Park Avenue Apartments will be unique in that meals will actually be served and a doctor’s office will be present inside the facility," he said. "Residents will also have the luxury of getting their hair done and having access to a physical fitness center – all of which will eliminate the hassle of traveling all over town to take care of most of their needs."

Getting around the building also will be easier, he added.

"We also have taken the extra incentive to use color-coded carpet on each floor of the building to help seniors better remember which floor they need to be on for whatever they may be doing," Winer said.

Winer said the facility will also have various other senior programs and services on site.

"Water, sewage and trash pick-up will be included in their monthly rent," he said. "We will have 50 units available, 35 of which are one-bedroom apartments and 15 will be two-bedroom apartments. Rent on a single bedroom will range from $286 to $354 per month while rent for a two-bedroom will average somewhere between $340 and $399."

Winer said leasing of apartments is going well.

"We already have six tenants, and we anticipate many more after we officially open," he said.