[Eebnhab]

There has been much criticism about The Villages converting space above the Spanish Springs town square into apartments. However, if they are leaving that space (currently used as their offices) for the new building in Brownwood, what exactly do you expect them to do with the space? Leave it vacant? Or, do you have alternative ideas for them to develop the space to generate revenue? Something has to be up there.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by Eebnhab

There has been much criticism about The Villages converting space above the Spanish Springs town square into apartments. However, if they are leaving that space (currently used as their offices) for the new building in Brownwood, what exactly do you expect them to do with the space? Leave it vacant? Or, do you have alternative ideas for them to develop the space to generate revenue? Something has to be up there.

Agreed, second floor apartments in a commercially zoned area are appropriate. On the other hand, the complex planned for Hacienda Hills is a very bad idea.

[Eebnhab]

It also strikes me that their greatest demand is for housing (& maintenance-free properties) not office space, which is the most likely alternative. I think it’s a smart use of a second floor.

[JGVillages]

I heard these apartments come with 2 way noise cancelling headphones so you could communicate with your spouse/sig other when the nightly music on the square was playing.

[Gulfcoast]

How many apartments are there going to be? It doesn't sound like very many. I would imagine that people who are having homes built would love to have the option to rent an apartment while their house is being completed.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Gulfcoast

How many apartments are there going to be? It doesn't sound like very many. I would imagine that people who are having homes built would love to have the option to rent an apartment while their house is being completed.

I'd prefer long-term rentals ONLY in apartments. People who are having homes built, already have homes they're living in somewhere else. If a person gets a 1-year lease on an apartment and their new home is ready in only 8 months, what will happen to the rest of their lease? Definitely would NOT want to see ANY subletting allowed, at all, under any circumstances at all. Not even to your own kids or parents. If the leased tenant isn't occupying the apartment, then that apartment should be vacant and available to be leased by someone who will occupy it.

This is theoretically intended for people who would prefer apartment living INSTEAD of property ownership.

[davem4616]

Originally Posted by JGVillages

I heard these apartments come with 2 way noise cancelling headphones so you could communicate with your spouse/sig other when the nightly music on the square was playing.

you can't hear the music inside the restaurants in SS....they'll be fine

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by Gulfcoast

How many apartments are there going to be? It doesn't sound like very many. I would imagine that people who are having homes built would love to have the option to rent an apartment while their house is being completed.

8 apartments over a retail store, that you cant hear outside noise, While shopping in the store now. Will be like living in any metro area with convenient downtown area. Guessing they will be high end, with private elevator and special parking. Given the rental prices for the lofts, these few apartments will bring high end rent.

[Northwoods]

Originally Posted by Eebnhab

It also strikes me that their greatest demand is for housing (& maintenance-free properties) not office space, which is the most likely alternative. I think it’s a smart use of a second floor.

I agree. If you go to any major city, there are always apartments/condos above ground floor retail space. Nothing new. It's a great idea.

[Scott O]

I heard only 10 or 11 not many...much a due about nothing..

[Pillowtalk]

Wonder what they are going to do with the movie theater in Spanish Springs? It’s been under construction a long time?

[airdale2]

The change they are requesting includes all their property in Lady Lake

[Fused Glass]

I heard they were going to be low income housing so the villages meet there quotas per federal guidelines.

[crash]

Originally Posted by Gulfcoast

How many apartments are there going to be? It doesn't sound like very many. I would imagine that people who are having homes built would love to have the option to rent an apartment while their house is being completed.

The number reported is ten.

It is the Hacienda apartments that is disturbing, it is in the middle of single family housing and will drive down pricing in that neighbor.

[Alaska Butch]

How about a new five star restaurant like Katie Bells originally was? Apartments will lead to no more music on the square. Mark my words.