The Boulevard Co. is preparing to start construction next month of a 38-unit condominium project in Myers Park.

Selwyn Terrace, planned on about 1.2 acres at Selwyn Avenue and Hassell Place, was designed by FMK Architects with brick, stone, stucco and copper accents to blend with one of Charlotte's oldest neighborhoods.

Chris Branch, president of the Boulevard Co., said the final plan represents a compromise between the developer and the Selwyn Neighborhood Association.

The company had sought a rezoning last year to allow up to 48 units. After discussions with neighbors, Branch scaled-down the project and redrew the plans.

Selwyn Terrace now includes a small two-story, six-townhome building facing Hassell Place and a larger three-story, 32-flat building at 2930 Selwyn Ave.

The smaller building will act as a buffer and address neighbors' concerns about a large multi-family structure destroying the single-family character of Hassell Place, Branch said.

The Boulevard Co. also is including a 3,600-square-foot park on the northwest corner of Selwyn and Hassell for use by condo owners and residents of the surrounding neighborhood.

Branch said neighborhood involvement improved the project.

Condos range from about 800 square feet to about 1,200 square feet. One- and two-bedroom flats and two- and three-bedroom townhomes are selling from about $150,000 to about $250,000.

Branch said Selwyn Terrace fits his 12-year-old company's mission of building projects "to endure for the next 100 years" on small, underdeveloped "infill" parcels within the urban core.

The Boulevard Co. is hitting a hot market, fueled by downsizing empty nesters, young professionals and newcomers seeking to avoid long and tedious commutes from the far reaches of the Charlotte area.

Condos and townhomes now account for about 15 percent of the for-sale residential construction market in Mecklenburg County, according to real estate market analysts.

Last year, 2,191 units sold countywide at an average price of $177,889.

Branch said the Selwyn Terrace site has been cleared of four old houses. He expects to get building permits next month. Construction probably will take 10 to 12 months, meaning the first residents could move in by next spring.

No general contractor has been named for the project, valued at slightly more than $7.5 million, but Branch said he's talking with several interested companies.

The wood-frame buildings will be constructed with masonry exteriors. Most residents will have private balconies. Some flats will have private front doors.

Other features include elevator access, nine- and 10-foot ceilings; hardwood floors in living, dining and kitchen areas; maple or cherry cabinets; stainless steel appliances; granite countertops in kitchens and ceramic tile flooring and tub-shower surrounds in bathrooms.

Parking -- nearly two-spaces per residence -- will be behind the buildings with driveway access to Selwyn Avenue.