Delaware Court Apartments work on schedule | News

ANDERSON – The developers of the Delaware Court Apartments in downtown Anderson are on track to open the facility, built in 1926, by the end of the year.

The developers told the Anderson Historical & Cultural Preservation Commission on Monday that there will be a request later to install central heating and air conditioning in the building.

Developer Cory Mendez said installing a centralized air conditioning system will eliminate the need for window air conditioners.

He said the commission will also be asked to approve the placement of the condensers, which will include wrought iron fencing.

Mendez said the developers are awaiting the final plans for the replacement of the electrical and plumbing systems.

The original plans for the staircase railings and posts at the main entrance have been provided to a local millwright to make them appear as originally designed.

Developer Phil Rush said the building sat vacant for seven years but was in good shape because of its original brick construction.

The developers started by securing the windows and are currently installing drywall in the 46 apartments, he said.

“We wanted to make minimal changes to the building,” he said. “We liked the look of the building.”

Rush said the challenge will be making the building handicap accessible and that they are considering a ramp on the north side of the building, where a former fire escape was located.

He said the doorway is wide enough to make it handicapped accessible but they are awaiting an engineer’s report on other required changes.

The estimated cost to refurbish the apartments is $1 million, not including the purchase price.

Upgrades to 1406 W. Eighth St.

The commission approved a request from Tim Smith, interim superintendent for Anderson Community Schools, to replace the roof and upgrade the windows at a house at 1406 W. Eighth St.

Smith currently lives in Carmel and wants to move to Anderson.

“I was looking for a place to reside in Anderson,” Smith said. “Finding an old historic house to remodel is something I’ve always wanted to do.”

He said the original slate roof is leaking and he obtained a certificate of appropriateness to replace it with shingles.

Smith wants to replace some of the original windows with energy-efficient wooden windows as needed.

“The shingles will replicate the slate roof,” he said. “I want to maintain the look of the property.”

Smith said he wanted to obtain approval from the commission before buying the property.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 640-4863.