Several months ago, we told you about Mildred Court, a plan to redevelop half of a square block in Bella Vista, including a former 7-Up bottling plant on Carpenter Street. In the intervening time, the project has gone through the civic design review process, and has gotten approval from the ZBA. It’s largely the same as what we described in May, though an extra unit has been added to the project. In all twenty-five units will soon rise on the 800 blocks of Monrose and Carpenter Streets, and the 900 block of S. 8th Street. Currently, most of the parcel outside of the former bottling plant is woefully underused.

Corner of 8th and Montrose

A refresher- the homes will range in size from 1900-2500 sqft, and will rise about 34′ high. They will have high-end finishes and will be offered as rentals at first, with the idea to sell them off within five years. This model tends to be US Construction’s preferred order of business. When we first described the project after a presentation to BVTW, we were able to look at renderings and a site plan, but didn’t have digital copies to share. But today, thanks to our friends at JKR Partners, we have all of those things for you to gawk at.

Rather irregularly shaped parcel

Seven homes on Carpenter, eight on 8th St., five on Montrose, and five more inside the complex

3D view from above

Same idea, different angle

Inside the courtyard

Where are all the cars?

In general, we think this is a good project that will add new residents to the neighborhood and eliminate some underutilized space. Our only gripe is that some unique buildings on Carpenter Street will be eliminated in favor of new three story buildings. We always liked the vaguely Dutch look of these buildings, and only recently came to appreciate their history.

Current vs. future

Just a few more renderings to share:

View on Montrose looking east

Corner of 8th and Montrose. A minor improvement over what's there today.

Homes on 8th Street, looking north

What do people think of this project? Great news for the neighborhood, or terrible? Thumbs up to the architecture and design or thumbs down? Enough parking for you, or too much?

Like we said, we’re into it. But we’d be interested to hear what you think.