BELLEVUE, Ky. — What was once a dilapidated old warehouse is now 66 beautiful loft apartments. City leaders and local business owners said they hope the new living spaces bring additional consumers to the area.
Three Spirits Tavern owner Charlie Zimmerman built his business in the revitalized shell of a vacant home. He said what he's seen of the Kent Lofts several blocks away is promising.
"To see it coming to life again in the heart of the city is really great," Zimmerman said. "Uplifting for those who live around it. To say, 'Hey, this isn't a blighted building. It's something that can be transformed.' Now it's a beautiful building instead of a dilapidated warehouse you didn't really want to look at."
City Councilman Pat Hogan said adding people into an already crowded area can be hard, so finding ways to make over existing buildings is an important part of the city's strategy.
"We have pretty much no available land," Hogan said. "There's a few pieces of land around town. That's how we have to attract new people. To reuse what we have."
Zimmerman said he thinks a redeveloped Bellevue has a bright future.
"The good price point of where they're at enables them (new people) to get in here," he said of the Kent Lofts. "Anchor. Fall in love with our city. Get them to stay. Raise their family. Grow up through the schools as a community base. That's what Bellevue is about right now."
The Kent Lofts are accepting applications for residents here.
Their studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments range in price from $825 to $1925 a month.
