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May 1, 2005
The Rutzler is project of preservation
77-year-old building's architecture
makes it distinctive for condos
DOUG SMITH
Charlotte
's latest apartment-to-condo conversion project will preserve a
77-year-old building in the
Elizabeth
neighborhood.
Developer Monte Ritchey of The
Conformity Corp. disclosed plans Tuesday for 18 condos in The Rutzler, a
36-unit apartment building at
712 Louise Ave.
"Some of the units were tiny
-- just a room and a bath," he said. "Now, every two rooms is
becoming one."
One- and two-bedroom condos will
range from 600 to 1,050 square feet and list for roughly $110,000 to about
$180,000.
Ritchey said he's working with the
state's historic preservation office to retain the building's character
while adding modern amenities for condo owners.
He said the three-story structure
features an Italian Renaissance-inspired entrance, 24-inch masonry walls,
arched transoms and ornate ironwork.
"I still get emotional about
buildings -- especially this one," Ritchey said. The Rutzler was
designed by
Charlotte
architect F.L. Bonfoey, who also designed Ritchey's house in
Elizabeth
.
Inside, Ritchey said, The Rutzler
has hardwood floors, basket-weave bathroom tile and porcelain-coated cast
iron tubs. The original windows were removed, rebuilt and re-installed, he
said.
The Conformity Corp. started the
conversion project late last year and expects buyers to start moving in by
August. The makeover was designed by Laughing Dog Architecture, Ritchey
said.
He said the project is valued at
about $2.5 million.
The company sent e-mails about the
conversion to a list of prospective buyers, quietly generating six sales
without any formal project announcement, advertising or marketing, he
said.
Ritchey said he worked with the
building's former owners to give renters time to relocate.
The Conformity Corp. (www.conformitycorp.com)
is handling sales. The company has worked in
Elizabeth
for more than 10 years, focusing on preservation and urban infill
projects.
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