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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Bill could gut GMO ordinance, group says ... Our View: We are not ready for The Really Big One ... Serious crime down in Medford ... Bill could gut GMO ordinance, group says ... Our View: We are not ready for The Really Big One ... Serious crime down in Medford ... MEDFORD Sky Park set to take off Housing units proposed above parking lot Comment By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 26, 2015 at 6:17 PM By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 26, 2015 at 6:17 PM » Social News An unusual proposal to build an elevated housing project known as “Sky Park” above a downtown Medford parking lot is on track to begin construction by June. “I think it’s a little nonstandard,” Councilor Daniel Bunn said. "We’re taking a risk on that, but I hope it works, too.” If built, it would mark the first urban-style housing project in the downtown that would be offered for sale. The Medford Urban Renewal Agency signed off on the project Jan. 15, selling “air rights” for $1 for everything above 12 feet from the parking lot located on Central Avenue between Ninth and 10th streets across from the Medford library. The city provided a 50-year lease for land in the parking lot for the columns and entrances for the building on the ground floor. Most of the parking lot will remain open to the public. Oregon Architecture of Medford and Ashland developer Allan Sandler formed a corporation known as Sky Park Medford LLC to build the 26-unit project, which will have 20 two-bedroom units, five three-bedroom and a single one-bedroom. Each unit will have two bath,s with the exception of the one-bedroom, which will have one bath. Units will sell from $150,000 to $250,000. Bunn said the project will demonstrate whether urban-style residential can sell in the downtown. “If it works and works well, more people might be interested in it,” he said. Sky Park still has to be reviewed by the Medford Site Plan and Architectural Review Commission and receive permits from the city. Mark McKechnie of Oregon Architecture said financing for the $3 million has been secured, but he wouldn’t divulge the name of the lender. “If there’s a problem, it won’t be financing,” he said. He said the project doesn’t have to adhere to rules regarding prevailing wage jobs, according to a ruling by the Bureau of Labor and Industries. “I’m not expecting any hurdles over this,” McKechnie said. He said he expects to start construction in June, and it should take about six to eight months for completion. The project has been discussed off and on for almost two years, and the city and developers almost declared the project dead at one point. McKechnie said the design of the building has changed, calling the refreshed style a “bungalow look.” He said a marketing group suggested creating some three-bedroom units, which have been added to the latest design. The central open courtyard area remains the same. McKechnie said the entrance was formerly at 10th and Central, but has been changed to Ninth and Central because it’s closer to downtown. A secure lobby and elevator system will allow access into the building. The parking lot now has 75 spaces but will be increased to 82 in the new design, despite the columns and entrance for the building, McKechnie said. The units will require 26 parking spaces, leaving a net of 56 spaces for the public. Because the parking lot will be covered, McKechnie said the interior will be lit with bright LED lights that have been installed in other covered garages in the downtown. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter @reporterdm .   By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 26, 2015 at 6:17 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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