Pleasant conversation and red wine shared between neighbors and good friends led to a dream come true. The luxury condominium development at 150 South Main Street, one-half block from the courthouse in Franklin, is the realization of a conversation that began in a backyard.
Terry and Jen Lancer and Harry and Krista Sherman started as neighbors in Franklin more than 21 years ago. They became good friends through raising their children together, having dogs from the same litter, and enjoying how Franklin has become a destination. Their conversation turned toward offering an opportunity to people who would enjoy living in the heart of downtown Franklin, allowing them to experience all it offers within walking distance of restaurants, entertainment and shopping.
These two couples are visionaries with the determination to make things happen. When they saw improvements happen in Franklin, like the Amphitheater and the gateway from I65, they knew the time was right to offer something new in living accommodations. Meetings with the Mayor and the city planners confirmed their ideas.
When a small white house on S. Main became available, they took the risk, purchasing it because of its location. Terry Lancer, owner of Lancer and Associates, an architectural firm, started the investigation into a condominium development on that site. Each step he took confirmed the decision to build 12 luxury homes and one retail space on three floors in a modern meets historic structure. From there, the Jenrista Corporation was formed to design and build a condominium dwelling.
Now that 150 South has passed all the state and local inspections, the twelve residential units and one retail space are for sale. The only lease option is the 650 square foot retail space for something unique for the community. Once a home is purchased, the only lease option, according to the covenants, is a 12 month lease directly from the homeowner.
The architect has amply designed these twelve homes. They include two and three bedrooms, two baths with a balcony, large windows, a fireplace, a pantry and laundry room, all with nine and ten-foot ceilings. Several have views overlooking downtown and the Amphitheater. Secure parking is on the main level with an elevator in the front of the building and stairs at each end of the building. The building is secure with a card key entrance and safe with central fire protection that includes sprinklers and alarms. On the exterior south side of the building is a doggie pad for pet loving home owners.
Maintenance free living comes with these condos. There is no yard to mow, no trees to trim, no flower beds to weed and no exterior home repairs. This lifestyle leaves more time for enjoying the entertainment scene in Franklin, pursuing hobbies and more time for travel. Along with these condos comes a comfort for those who don’t desire to spend their time maintaining a detached home.
Two finished condominiums showcase interior finishes; one in a modern design and one in a more traditional design. The appointments in the modern home are in hues of gray, black and neutral. The kitchen boasts a chef’s gas range complete with a hood vented to the outside to whisk away carbon dioxide. It also has quartz countertops with a waterfall edge at the end. A microwave drawer completes this state-of-the-art design. The fireplace is gas, and the surround is a stunning black finish. The laundry room has a mottled stone floor, and the main bathroom has a floor and walls in gray porcelain tile. Cool colored engineered hardwood floors complete the look. This home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, with an open kitchen, dining and living space.
The more traditional home has warmer tones with the walls painted in a perfectly neutral color. It has a corner gas fireplace with a creamy stone surround to the ceiling. The mantle is an old barn beam found in Brown County, completing the cozy look. Warm tone engineered hardwood floors are throughout. The pantry in this home is the largest of the pantries in the other homes. This home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, with an open kitchen, dining and living space.
Jen and Krista agree the west end homes on levels two and three are their favorites. Upon entering, you see an expanse of windows overlooking Young’s Creek Park and the Amphitheater. From the balcony, you can enjoy evening concerts and have the convenience of being home. These two homes are two bedrooms, two bathrooms and nearly 1,600 square feet. The rooms are spacious and can be customized or reconfigured to add that third bedroom if needed.
Two homes are models with completed finishes, but ten homes are incomplete. The developers provide a white box for the homeowner. This will allow the owner to customize their home however they choose. There is an allowance to spend on the finished design. The interior walls that divide the spaces in the homes are up, but they can also be changed according to the needs of the homeowner. Homeowners may choose their own suppliers or work with the building owner’s suppliers. There are options to make your home suit your tastes. While the owners were sourcing materials for these condominiums, they chose local suppliers when possible. They believe in supporting the community in which they live.
The base price of these homes is $595,000.00 and includes a standard allowance for the finishes. The final sale price of each home depends on the upgrades the homeowner chooses. The 650 square foot retail space is also for sale at an undetermined amount, or for lease at $750.00 per month. The homeowners association fee is not determined but is estimated at $1,000.00 per year. As with any condominium development, when the last home is purchased, the entire building is owned by the occupants. Jenrista Corporation has established the homeowner covenants.
Terry, Jen, Harry and Krista have attempted to include things that are dear to them and Franklin. Along with its modern design, Terry’s architectural firm included red brick on the exterior of the building as a reflection of the red brick on the courthouse. Inside the building lobby, they paid homage to Ben Franklin, our town’s namesake, with a quote by him painted on the wall: “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Harry also mentioned the exterior panels on the building and the interior doors are painted a red wine color as a nod to the initial conversation leading to this dream over red wine. The Jenrista Corporation is a combination of Jen and Krista’s names. While this downtown condominium development is a new idea for Franklin, so is everything else that has happened here in the past ten years.
When heart, soul, and everything you stand for go into building a dream, as it takes with all entrepreneurs, the hope is that others will appreciate the efforts it takes.
