JASPER- Jasper Mayor Terry Seitz provided some insight on local projects underway as we spoke with him on Monday With The Mayor.

Mayor Seitz says just last week members of the Jasper City Council, the Redevelopment Commission and Economic Development Commission members had a tour of the Jasper lofts project site. Mayor Seitz says that back in 2013 the developer, Miller Valentine of Cincinnati, took an interested in the project and describes what facility in Jasper they have pursued to renovate.

Mayor Seitz describes that the Jasper lofts projects originates from the 2013 Jasper Downtown and Riverfront Master Plan, that envisioned the use of re-purposing old industrial sites. Prior to that plan the 2010 Comprehensive Plan encouraged “infill” development which refers to characteristics of the revitalization of a location that already has active traffic of existing roads and utilities that surround it such as the JOFCO factory.

The committee involved with the current project feels confident that the Jasper lofts projects meets certain elements in the plans that have been proposed in the past.

This is the 1st workforce housing center project in jasper’s history to take place. The construction of the 1,2,3 bedroom apartments began in may with completion expected in 2017.

The project is utilizing several local firms in the construction phase and will possibly include products from at least two local companies such as Keusch Windows and MasterBrand Cabinets.

Mayor Seitz elaborates on the significance of investing in the Jasper community.

Miller Valentine is also the developer for the proposed Vine Street Senior Housing Lofts in the former Monster Recycling/Jasper Wood Products site at 13th street and Vine directly opposite from the Jasper lofts. Partnering with Miller Valentine is TRI-CAP.

Mayor Seitz elaborates by saying that these two projects will have a major impact on one of the historical parts of Jasper and truly represent the definition of the term “mixed used neighborhood”. He also looks forward to the development of the proposed Jasper Cultural Center at the Former Hoosier Desk site.

***For more insight on the matter check out this week’s Monday Conversations with Jasper Mayor Terry Seitz the section talking about the Jasper Lofts Project starts at (5:16) – 18 WJTS Conversation With Jasper Mayor Terry Seitz (07/18/16) ***