Remember a few years ago, when development in western Point Breeze pretty much stopped at Wharton Street? It feels like a distant memory these days, with construction activity all over the neighborhood, occasionally extending south of Tasker Street. Five years ago, 3 new homes under construction on one side of the 1800 block of Reed Street would have been quite unexpected. Now it's just par for the course. So let's take a look:
For many years, the first two lots in from the corner sat vacant, until a duplex arrived at 1800 Reed St. a few years ago. But 1802 Reed St. continued to sit vacant. Last year, Polner Group LLC purchased this property along with 1822 Reed St., also a vacant lot. Recently, foundations appeared at both addresses and now plans call for new homes for each property. 1802 Reed St. will surely rise a regular three stories, but we'd have to imagine that 1822 Reed St. will have one of those odd third-story setbacks. Ah, the anticipation is killing us!
At 1846 Reed St., different developers have already framed out a new home. This construction must be a welcome change for neighbors, as this property had been sitting vacant and blighted for many years. Was there a fire here at some point?
Since this property sits next to a three-story building, like the future home at 1802 Reed St., no third-floor setback was required. Fortunately, since it's largely fallen out of style, this new home won't match its neighbor in the big stucco bay window department. Hey, it's the little stuff that makes us happy.
Of course, this is all small potatoes compared to the upcoming plans to redevelop the former Smith School across the street at 19th & Reed. Once that project gets underway, we'd suspect these homes will become even more attractive to potential buyers, surely something the developers are hoping happens sooner rather than later.