AUBURN – A new condominium complex off Turner Street is offering something unique besides its retail proximity: gated access.
The model home is up at Falcon Creek Condominiums, a 24-acre parcel just off Turner Street within a half mile of Wal-Mart and the city’s retail hub. The property is being developed into 66 one- and two-unit condominiums for active people ages 55 and up.
“We looked at the other projects and nobody’s was like this one,” said Tim Connelly, office manager for Blue Horizons, the condo developer.
The complex offers Cape, ranch or colonial homes in the $199,000 to $270,000 range. And in a first for the Twin Cities, a gate across its access road.
“It’s for security and traffic control,” said Connelly. “No one would be able to cruise around the neighborhood without permission.”
The gate did raise some public safety concerns when the project went through the municipal permitting process. Police, fire and rescue personnel were worried that they would be denied access to the development in the event of an emergency.
Connelly said the issue was resolved by modifying the gate so it lifts at the tone of an emergency vehicle siren.
“We made sure they could get in,” said Connelly. Relatives of residents can use a coded keypad for access as well.
The homes offer about 1,120 square feet of living space per floor. Each unit comes with a two-stall garage and full basement.
Because the homes are modular, they can be finished in about eight weeks, depending on how much they are customized. The complex also offers a clubhouse, walking trails and fitness center. The city bus service runs right past it and it is within walking distance of several stores and restaurants at the Mt. Auburn Avenue/Turner Street intersection.
Brenda Fontaine, whose agency is listing the complex, said she thinks the combination of older residents, private units and the security of living on a gated road will help in marketing Falcon Creek. Unlike many other condo developments, there are no clusters of units sharing multiple walls.
“People prefer to have the end unit, so this way everyone gets an end unit,” she said. A reception is planned for Aug. 5 to show the model home and development plans.
Connelly said the first units should be ready for occupancy by October. Additional information is available at www.brendafontaine.com
Comments are no longer available on this story