A Wisconsin-based private real estate company is interested in building an independent senior housing facility on Second Street in downtown Niles on property where the Cowboy Saloon currently stands.

Sig Strautmanis, of General Capital Group, presented a proposal of the project during Monday’s meeting of the Niles City Council.

Strautmanis said the multiple-story structure would contain 53 units of a mixture of affordable and market-rate housing. There would also be a 3,000 square foot commercial space at ground level that could be leased or rented to businesses.

The structure, which Strautmanis described as having an urban/mainstream style, would be comprised of a brick exterior with ample window space.

The company also plans to install an underground parking garage that is climate controlled.

Prior to the presentation Steve Smith, a downtown business owner, said he and several other downtown business owners are opposed to another affordable housing complex coming downtown.

“We want them (General Capital Group) to know ahead of time that there is going to be pushback,” he said.

Strautmanis addressed Smith’s concerns briefly, saying the company’s developments more closely resemble market rate housing than affordable housing. He provided examples of several other similar projects done in Wisconsin and Michigan that he said were well received by the communities there.

“We aren’t folks that come in and stir up the hornet’s nest,” he said. “We do quality projects and you will not be disappointed.”

In order for the plan to move forward, Strautmanis said the company would need to purchase the Cowboy Saloon property and two small portions of land owned by the City of Niles and the Niles Housing Commission.

Strautmanis also said the company would need to apply for low-income housing tax credits from the state. The plan, he said, would be to apply for the credits in October and learn if General Capital Group receives them by January 2017. Construction would take approximately 10 months.

Strautmanis said the company would have a good chance at receiving the tax credits because the property is downtown and within a short walking distance to shops and services — all things the state considers favorably when awarding credits for such projects.

Strautmanis said the majority of the units would be marketed toward seniors on a low income, although about six of the units would be sold at market rate. He estimated market rate at $600 monthly for a one bedroom unit and $800 for a two bedroom.

The facility would have 32 one-bedroom units and 21 two-bedroom units.

The council did not take any action on the proposed project.