A major mixed use commercial and residential development is being proposed for downtown St. Joseph.
City commissioners on Monday heard from Peter Rienks of the Rienks Group, which has expressed an interest in purchasing a city owned lot at the corner of Lake Boulevard and Broad Street. That’s the parking lot and “empty lot” that used to be a YWCA property. Rienks told commissioners what his firm has in mind would be transformational for the city.
“The project would include 32 high-end condominiums, 68 market-rate apartments, over 12,000 square feet of commercial space, a modern event venue, and 157 underground parking spaces,” Reinks said.
Those 157 parking spaces would mean no spaces would be lost downtown, something stressed by City Manager Emily Hackworth.
Reinks said the residential units would be for full-time residents, and of the market rate units, he estimated the rents would be around $1,300 to $2,000 per month. They would have to be close to the community’s median income because he plans to pursue some state housing development funding, and that brings with it certain standards.
“What makes this development truly significant is that it will be the first large-scale development project of its kind in St. Joseph in over two decades. It’s thoughtfully designed to enhance the character of our beautiful city while meeting the modern demands of residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
Reinks was seeking a “resolution of conditional support” for the property’s sale, indicating commissioners are on board with the idea but don’t have to commit to anything yet. Turns out they are on board, and all five voted in support of the resolution.
Commissioner Michael Sarola said this project “checks every box” in terms of what the city needs, while Commissioner Tess Ulrey noted this would create “workforce housing.”
Reinks said more details about the plan, like how many stories this building would be, will be forthcoming now that he’s gotten a warm reception from commissioners.
