There had been much hoopla and excitement surrounding the opening of the new Nickel Plate Flats apartment complex in downtown Frankfort. And, from everyone’s perspective as well as the comments made, the new amenity on a former vacant corner on the corner of Jackson and Washington streets was a rousing success.
“This is a new day,” said Frankfort Mayor Chris McBarnes. “This is an amenity that we’ve never had before. I think it’s going to pay off in spades. We’re letting people experience something they’ve never had in Frankfort before. We’re rolling. It feels good.”
McBarnes was among several city and county leaders who cut the ribbon on the new $7.2 million project, which is a 60,000 square foot, four story complex that offers 11 studio apartments, 43 one-bedrooms, 18 two-bedrooms and two executive suites. Included in the mix is a pair of airbnb style apartments.
Amenities include granite countertops, Energy Star stainless steel appliances, vinyl plank flooring, modern lighting, ceiling fans, washers/dryers, walk-in closets, on-site parking, housekeeping, 24-hour maintenance, courtyard space, lobby space with an Internet bar, individual balconies along with some other special amenities.
“I’m pleased for the community,” said Iron Men Properties Developer Joe Blake, who along with partner Mike Sandry were the brainchilds behind this project. “This is an amazing breakthrough for the community. It’s awesome.”
Blake added this project was made possible by the leadership of local government.
“The support for a project like this helps move the downtown forward,” said Blake. “Having more people living in your downtown, walking the streets of downtown enjoying the restaurants. That’s what this is all about.”
Clinton County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shan Sheridan said it has been a long time since a facility like this has been built.
“It is a huge mental attitude boost,” said Sheridan. “There has not been a new apartment building, multi-family, built in 27 years. That’s almost three decades. It’s a generation. I think this is just the beginning.”
Clinton County Council President Alan Dunn said the addition of Nickel Plate Flats adds to the new beginning in downtown Frankfort with building such as CVS, Ivy Tech, Iron Block in the past few years, with another new project, Prairie Creek Park, looming on the horizon.
“Year by year, we’re fundamentally changing the community and it’s exciting,” said Dunn.
Blake said he thought the coolest parts of the building is the rooftop terrace as well as Nickel Alley, which is located between the apartment and ACCS.
“I hope people just hang out in the alley,” said Blake. “It’s that cool.”
Rents range from $575 to $1,395 per month with both 12-month and shorter-term leases available. Call 765-605-1245 or email Iron Men Properties Director of Operations Mandy Bunch at [email protected] to schedule an appointment or visit www.nickelplateflats.com for more information.