Construction is Complete

My apologies to everyone who follows this blog for not updating it sooner.  I am very pleased to say that the second and final phase of Claysville Landing is complete.  All construction is finished.  It is now a community of 208 luxury apartments that has become a very popular place to live.


The apartments are either 2 or 3 bedrooms with two baths, ceiling fans and modern appliances.  All the apartments in Phase II have washers and dryers in a real laundry room, not just hookups in a closet.  What could be more convenient?


Claysville Landing's setting is private, yet close to shopping, restaurants and other services.  It has some outstanding amenities.  One, which we added with this phase is a dog park, known as the "Bark Park".  We know that many of our residents are dog owners, and being one myself, I know they really are part of the family, and it's nice to have a safe place where they can run free and socialize with their buddies.  The park features a double gate to prevent escapes, trees and play equipment.  Perhaps most importantly, we have benches so the "moms" and "dads" can rest while the "kids" play.  It's actually has turned out to be quite the social gathering place for residents.  I have no doubt that it has helped transform Claysville Landing from an apartment complex to a community where you actually can know your neighbor.


So, if any of you are looking to move, and want a great place to live, then come out an meet with our friendly staff and take a tour.  You will quickly understand why Claysville Landing is the premier apartment community in Elizabethtown, KY.

Buildings 1000 and 1100 Ready To Go

Building 1000

Buildings 1000 and 1100 are ready to go.  We just received approval to begin leasing these brand new apartment units.  There are 40 in all with both two and three bedroom units.  All that is left on this project is building 1200 with 16-2 bedroom units.  All of new units come fully equipped with washers and dryers in real laundry rooms, not a closet, ceiling fans and spacious closets.  All the washers and dryers are brand new, and maintenance is Claysville Landing's issue.  If something should fail, just call the leasing office and maintenance will take care of it.

Building 1100

Claysville Landing has really transformed in the past year, and has become just not a collection of apartments, but a real community.  The owners have made an extra effort to make it a community that is not just a place to live, but a real social community, and that makes it an enjoyable place to live.  They have added a wonderful playground for the children, and for those of you who are dog lovers, a real live dog park was added.  It’s a place you can take your dog and let him/her off the leash to run free without concern.  It is a double gated fenced in area that is maintained complete with benches and doggy waste bags.  Did you know that the closest real dog park is in Louisville?  I am told it’s become a nice place to meet your neighbors.  Add those new amenities to the great pool, workout facility, clubhouse, direct access to the walking trails along with great privacy, and a great staff, and I think you will agree Claysville Landing is the nicest and friendliest apartment community in the area in addition to being a convenient place to live.

Progress Continues As We Near Completion

Building 900

I have been reminded that it’s been awhile since I last updated the blog, and looking back, it was June 2 when the last entry was made. So, it’s time to bring everyone up to date on the project’s progress and mention a few people that deserve special recognition.




Building 900 L, 1000 C, 1100 & 1200 R

The first picture shows building 900, the latest building to be released for occupancy. It is a 24 unit building with a mix of 2 and 3 bedroom units. You can find it’s location in the picture that is at the top of the page. Just as with buildings 700 and 800, the amenities are great, with bright and spacious and bright apartments that have lots of closet space, ceiling fans and well equipped kitchens. They come with washers and dryers already installed, and not in a closet, but a real laundry/utility room off the kitchen. So, no more cluttering up the kitchen or a hallway while the laundry is being done.

We still have 3 more buildings to complete, and by the end of the month 2 of them should be ready for us to apply for our certificate of occupancy and ask the HUD (Housing and Urban Development) office for permission to start leasing. They will be buildings 1000 and 1100. The second picture shows the drive with building 900 on the left, building 1000 at the end and buildings 1100 and 1200 on the right. Again, the picture of the site at the top will show you the exact locations.

So, when are we going to be done and all the construction equipment and workers be gone? As of this entry, we are better than 90% complete, and about 5 months ahead of schedule. This has been a smooth project and the team members deserve all the credit, and I’m really proud of them. I want to give each of them a mention.

There is Goff Construction, LLC, our local builder out of Rineyville, KY. Shawn Goff directs the construction process on a day to day basis. It’s a tough job, sort of like being an air traffic controller. There are a lot of things happening at the same time, and Shawn Goff has done a great job of making sure that the right things happen at the right time and in the right way.

Then there is Bayus Design Works, the designing architect located in Louisville. They are responsible for what the units look like and how they are to be build, right down to the choice of carpets, light fixtures and door hardware. I think you will agree that Tony Bayus, architect, and Jennifer Nix, Bayus Project Manager, did a great job with their design. They also did the first phase of Claysville Landing.

I would be remiss in not mentioning the HUD office’s inspecting architect Adam Wisler. He makes sure that we are in compliance with the HUD requirements. Though he dose not work directly for us, he is no less a member of the construction team.

Turner Engineering of Elizabethtown did all the civil engineering designing what the site would look like. There is a lot of work that goes into creating the site plan and most of that we never notice, as it’s in the ground, but it is the foundation upon which everything is build.

Deutsche Bank Berkshire Mortgage provided the financing on this project, and they have done a great job of navigating all the approvals needed to secure this kind of loan. Their team makes sure the right people get paid as the project progresses, and get paid on time.

Last, but certainly not least, is Ghertner and Company, the apartment managers. They are experts at managing and maintaining apartment and condominium complexes along with managing homeowners associations. They employ only the best people like Julie and Regina in the leasing office. The Ghertner team makes Claysville Landing a true community and not just a collection of apartment buildings where people live. They really make it a place where you can socialize with your neighbors, be it at the pool, the playground, the dog park or just enjoying walking trails and the grounds in general, in addition to making sure the apartments and grounds are kept in tip top shape. I think this is what makes Claysville Landing one of the most highly desired apartment communities in the area.

Now that we will begin winding down, I will try and keep you all up to date as future progress unfolds. For those of you who are looking to lease, come on down and visit the leasing office or learn more at www.claysvillelanding.com.

Building 800 Complete

Building 700 Complete and Landscaped

Progress continues with the completion of Building 800.  This is a 24 unit building, and has 16 two bedroom and 8 three bedroom apartments.  Building 700 was completed last month and received the clearance from HUD to begin allowing tenants to move into the new apartments.  The sod is taking root, and the landscaping is getting established.

Building 800 Complete Awaiting HUD OK

Right now, we are waiting for HUD to sign off on Building 800.  It has been inspected and approved by the HUD inspecting architect, and all the paperwork is in good order.  As soon as we get the word, which is expected any day, new residents can start moving into these as well.  With 40 new units, the Claysville community is growing.

Building 900

Building 900, which was just starting when I made the last post is almost completely framed.  Weather has been the biggest delaying factor, and the one we are powerless to do anything about.  Although the footers and plumbing are in for Building 1100, there is not much more we can do until the ground dries out a bit.  For now, it is a great mud pit, and we are considering Tug-of-War matches to make good use of it.  Of course, I am only kidding as it is an active construction site, so for your own safety, please stay out.

The Mud Pit & Building 1100

It was nice to see the dog park getting some use.  This is really a unique amenity, not only for apartments in the area, but also in the general community.  The best I can tell is that the closest dog park to Claysville is in Louisville.  Being a dog owner myself, I know it is nice to have a place where your dog can run free off the leash.  We finished installing benches for the owners, waste bag stations, and 3 nice trees that about half the dogs will enjoy.

Claysville Landing Exclusive Dog Park

That’s about it for this month.  Hopefully with the coming of summer and the pool opening, residents will meet and get to know each other better.  After all, that is what makes the complex a community.  So get out there and say Hi to your neighbor.

Sixteen Units Ready To Go

Building 700 Ready To Go

The end of April brings lots of exciting new to the second phase of Claysville Landing.  Despite the rains, the first building, Building 700, with 16 two bedroom units is ready.  The contractor is finishing up some small punch list items, mostly paint, and needs to install the landscaping, but it is ready to go.  The city has issue an occupancy permit, and we have submitted the paperwork to HUD for their approval.  With any luck, we should receive permission to start moving people in within the next week to ten days.  Seven of the sixteen units have deposits down on them.

Building 800

Building 800 which has 24 units, including three bedroom units is moving forward, and we expect that it will be ready for occupancy by the end of May.  We already have 8 units with deposits on them.  As you can see from the picture, the sidewalks are being poured, and landscaping is also needed.  In fact, there are units that are ready right now, but until they are all done we cannot get that all important occupancy certificate.

Inside they look great.  There’s not much more that I can say, except they smell so nice.  It’s sort of like getting into a new car.  All the units are equipped with energy saving appliances in the kitchen, and washer and dryers come standard.  There are ceiling fans, plush carpeting and great looking light fixtures, not to mention great closets.

Typical Kitchen and Dining Area

Last month’s blog showed where building 900’s site was being raked so the soil would dry to allow it to be compacted so concrete could be poured.  One short month later, not only are the concrete footers in, but the framing is going up.  By the end of May, it will look like a real building.

Building 900 Comes Out of the Ground

Right now I want to introduce you to a unique feature of Claysville Landing, and unique to Elizabethtown and the surrounding area.  It is our new dog park just behind the almost new playground for the exclusive use of Claysville residents.   With so many residents owning dogs, we thought it would be nice to have a place where you can let them off the leash to run.  The dog park, know as the Play and Bark Park features a double gate system, so your dog has less chance of escaping the safe confines.  There are benches for the owners to relax while Rover gets a chance to get necessary exercise and socialize the way only dogs can do.  I have been told sniffing to them is like us reading the newspaper.  Of course we have installed three doggie waste stations complete with disposal bags so owners can take care of their pets’ business … Please!!!



Claysville's Play and Bark Park

Just a reminder for everyone, the rental office is paying a referral fee for new residents that come in and sign a lease.  Contact the rental office for more information.  Just follow the link above to Claysville Landing Apartment’s website.  I will be back next month with another update.

Building 700 Approaches Completion



Cabinets Being Installed in Building 700

It is March 31, and progress on the second phase of Claysville Landing is moving ahead rapidly despite the wet weather.  Progress has been so great that we expect the first 16 units, located in building 700, see the artist rendering, should be released at the end of April for occupancy in May.  I know there are people out there who have put deposits down on these new units, and this will come as welcome news.

Buildings 800, Left and 700 Far right



As always, pictures speak 1000 words, and so I have included pictures of our progress.  As of March 31 the suites in Building 700 are being trimmed out as it nears completion.  That means the suites are being painted, cabinets and light fixtures are being installed.  Flooring, carpeting, and all the other things that transforms a space into a home are being installed.

Preparing for Building 900

Meanwhile, building 800, which has 24  units, proceeds along right behind building 700.  It is interesting to watch the construction progress.  It resembles a wave as construction moves along from one building to another.  The above picture illustrates this nicely as the construction progress moves from building 700 on the far right to building 800 on the left.

Site Work for Buildings 1100 and 1200

As construction continues on buildings 700 and 800, the ground is being prepared for building 900, as seen above.  Here the worker on the tractor is raking the ground to turn it so it can dry out enough to pour the concrete that will make up the foundation of the building.  At the same time the sites for buildings 1100 and 1200, shown on the right, are being built up in layers to the right height.  Once that is done, it will be dried in the same way and footers and slabs poured.

Manager Frank Ghertner with HUD Architect Adam Wisler

 

Watch future posts for updates to the construction and other exciting things that makes Claysville Landing the place to live.  How about a real, honest to goodness dog park?!!  Yes, a place your dog can play off the leash in a secure area designed just for dogs.  Even better, it is the only one in the Elizabethtown area, and it's only at Claysville Landing.

A project like this involves a lot of people working as a team to make it a reality.  I will highlight some of those people in future posts.  Like a jigsaw puzzle, there are a lot of pieces that have to fit together in a certain way, and without the knowledge and skills of our team members, we would still be looking at an empty field instead of a place people can call home.





Splashing Along

I want to start of this entry with a verse from a song that recently has become Goff Construction’s theme song for the project.

“I'm standing in the rain
Getting soaking wet
I'm doing my best
But what do I get?”        (ELO, Standin’ in the Rain, Jeff Lynne,
                                        Out of the Blue Album 2/26/1977)



Building 700

Okay, that was a little corny, and my apologies to ELO, but here we are at two months into construction, and rain has been the order of the day.  Much to the credit of the general contractor, Shawn Goff, Goff Construction, LLC, he and his crews managed to get the slabs in for buildings 700 and 800 before the inclement weather hit in full force.  Those two buildings will keep them busy during the winter months. 


You can see the progress that has been made on building 700 in the last month.  The windows, siding, brickwork, decks and roof are all in.  The plumbing, electrical and HVAC (heating and ventilating) are roughed in, meaning the stuff that goes inside the walls is installed, and they are just about ready to start installing the drywall.

Building 800

Building 800 was just a slab last month, and now one can see it coming out of the ground, that’s builders’ lingo for it is getting built.  Just about half the building is framed, and this gives one a nice view of the framework of the building.  The roof is just about covered with the underlayment for the roof shingles.



None of this would be possible without the great team working on this project.  As we move forward I will introduce you to the key players that are making this all possible.  Again, I invite you to post comments or questions.  Until next time …