Site Visit: South Dunn Street, Bloomington

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to visit South Dunn Street, an urban infill project in Bloomington, Indiana.  This is the first project for local developer Matt Press, but it has proven highly successful.  In fact, the project has already been published in American Bungalow magazine (No. 52, Winter 2006).

The site was an undeveloped 2-block parcel, platted but never built out, within the urban core.  Matt installed the street infrastructure, and commissioned the design of updated foursquares and bungalows, designed by Kirkwood Design Studios of Bloomington. Of the homes built and sold, the sale prices have ranged from the $190's to $650,000 for a fully customized plan.  This is one of the hallmarks of a great urban neighborhood -- price diversity.  It is also proof-positive that there is a market for the traditional approach to neighborhood design and homebuilding.

Finally, I should say that the houses and the street just look great!  They have all the benefits of the historic neighborhood, including mature trees, but brand-new construction.  The immediate neighborhood, mostly small ranch-style homes, will surely receive increased valuation as a result of the handsome new neighbors.

Next up: mixed-use retail buildings at the end of the street, fronting busy Hillside Drive. 

Matt Press owns Neighborhood Solutions, and is a member of the Congress for the New Urbanism.

Pictured below: Surrounding neighborhood on Hillside Drive, and the site of the future retail/apartment component.