HuntGregory also plans to renovate two historic buildings in the project area for 30,000 sf of commercial space, and new construction will add another 15,000 sf of retailspace and a 215-space parking ramp.

The first city block includes 30 affordable apartments and 45,000 sf of new retail and office space that features several restaurants (Chipotle Grill, Panera Bread and an Irish pub called Keegan's), a fitness facility and a dry cleaner. Office leasing efforts areunderway for the renovated historic Firebarn building on University and First Avenues.

On block two, there are the 48 townhomes, the first of which will are already occupied, and the last of which will be completed by the end of this year.

On block three, construction is underway on 12 brownstones and 87 loft condominiums, with the brownstones and 47 lofts expected to be completed by the end of the year. More than 50% of the homes are sold, says Rob Wheaton, HuntGregory's managing partner for the project.

Building contractors are Minnetonka-based Stahl Construction and Kraus Anderson of Minneapolis. The entire project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2003.

Minneapolis-based HuntGregory specializes in urban housing. It has developed more than $75 million of residential real estate, including RiverStation and Heritage Landing in the warehouse district of Minneapolis.