First homebuyers move into downtown’s Sixth Street Lofts

Realtor Denise Swick gives a tour of the Sixth Street Lofts, an approximately $3 million condo project located in downtown Dayton’s Oregon District. Windows flank two walls of this unit allowing a view of downtown Dayton. Several units will be open for visitors Friday during Urban Nights. LISA POWELL / STAFF

Credit: Lisa Powell

Credit: Lisa Powell

Realtor Denise Swick gives a tour of the Sixth Street Lofts, an approximately $3 million condo project located in downtown Dayton’s Oregon District. Windows flank two walls of this unit allowing a view of downtown Dayton. Several units will be open for visitors Friday during Urban Nights. LISA POWELL / STAFF


How to go to Urban Nights

WHAT: A free event that showcases downtown’s dining, nightlife, art, music, retail, urban living options and more held twice a year. The event has been described as an open house for downtown. Businesses and restaurants offer special discounts, and artists and galleries open their doors to the public.

WHEN: 5 to 10 p.m. today

WHERE: Hotspots downtown for the event include Second Street between Main & Jefferson for cultural performance; Corner of Fifth and Pine streets in the Oregon District for live music; corner of Fourth and St. Clair streets for arts; and Fourth Street between St. Clair & Patterson for paint boxing.

Also happening is volunteers will rappel down the side of KeyBank Tower to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Miami Valley until 8 p.m.; Mini-Midwest Outdoor Experience on Courthouse Square from 4 to 8 p.m.; and Taste of Miami Valley and Home Show at RiverScape MetroPark.

For more information, go online to www.downtowndayton.org

PHOTOS: See our photo gallery and video touring Sixth Street Lofts only at MyDaytonDailyNews.com

The first residents have moved into Sixth Street Lofts in the city’s historical Oregon District.

Developer Oberer Thompson Co. purchased in August 2012 the former Excelsior Laundry building at 207 E. Sixth St., Dayton, according to county property records. Renovations have turned the former industrial property into a 17-condominium building with enclosed underground parking, an estimated $3 million project.

Residents moved into three of the condos this month, said Denise Swick, the real estate agent listing the property. “It really is a mixed group of people” buying the condos, Swick said.

Among the buyers are those moving to Sixth Street from other places downtown, and people moving into the building from the suburbs, she said. Two buyers are from out-of-state. Most are young professionals.

“People want to live in the core,” she said.

To date, 10 units are under contract and seven are available for sale. Two of the available units are set aside as affordable housing for buyers who qualify based on income. Interested buyers who qualify for an affordable unit will receive assistance to make their downpayment.

One available unit is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Sixth Street Lofts features two-bedroom, two-bathroom units on three levels with views of downtown, railroad tracks and the next-door red Armory office building. One three-bedroom condo on the third level has sold.

Residents also have access to a first floor common area and a rooftop wet bar and restroom. Also a hand-operated freight elevator is operating.

Sale prices range from $125,000 for an affordable unit up to $228,000 for a two-bedroom condo that sold including upgraded finishes. Space ranges from 900-square-feet to 1,500-square-feet.

The Excelsior building is not quite 100-years old, constructed after the 1913 flood, Swick said. Concrete floors and walls rest on concrete column supports throughout the building, and which run through the living spaces.

Construction is still ongoing as the condos sell.

“They’re pretty custom to where we give you a pretty wide selection of paint, flooring, cabinets, granite, tile and window treatments,” Christian Adkins, Oberer Thompson construction superintendent, said. “We have taken those units as far as we can until somebody buys.”

Limited group tours are available at today’s Urban Nights downtown from 5 to 10 p.m. Those who want to see inside can meet at the building.

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