Dec. 3, 2019

The new Third Avenue Lofts on the southern edge of downtown are starting to get ready for residents.

Pre-leasing has begun for the project west of Third Avenue between 12th and 13th streets for 64 one-bedroom and 23 two-bedroom apartments.

The complex takes the place of a 1960s-era vacant office building that was demolished to clear room for it. It’s being co-developed by Urban Housing Partners and Legacy Developments and will be managed by Murray Properties.

“We’re really proud of it. We think it’s going to be a nice addition,” said Kevin Keating, owner of Urban Housing Partners.

“We’re handling almost daily contacts and questions about when it’s going to be coming online, what rents will be and what amenities we’ll have, so without having rolled out the marketing yet, we’re pleased with the interest.”

All units will include patios or decks, washers and dryers, microwaves, dishwashers, walk-in closets and double sinks. The building uses “smart home” technology, so tenants can control locks with a smartphone, and the property is pet-friendly.

Rents start at less than $1,000 and reach about $1,500 per month. Underground parking is an optional addition.

“We’ve got a nice community room with a shuffleboard table and some good community space opportunities for gathering,” Keating said.

“They will have an indoor-outdoor fireplace with a kitchen area, so tenants can host activities there. We have a fitness center, some extra storage units on each floor as well as storage in the basement in the parking structure.”

The location across the street from Sunshine Foods and within walking distance of Nyberg’s Ace and a future dog park is appealing, he added.

“There are multiple bus stops on that block, there are a couple parks, the river, so I think that proximity is going to be a big amenity of this property,” he said.

Paradigm Construction is the general contractor. Finishes are from Creative Surfaces, Houndstooth House, Sioux Falls Kitchen & Bath and Thornton Flooring.

The plan is for residents to begin moving in sometime in early spring.

“The location is close to Phillips Avenue, close to downtown, and we’re certainly looking for people who are living, working and playing downtown. We’ve got a diversified expectation that different demographics will hit that,” Keating said.

“A lot of young people like living downtown, but I think there are empty-nesters who are interested in moving downtown, too, and being close to downtown activities.”

The project brings the Murray Properties portfolio to more than 400 units in Sioux Falls.