By By ANDY HAMILTON / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Michael J. Christie was sold as soon as he saw the view.
Now, he hopes others will feel the same way once they have visited the newly renovated Riverfront Condominiums of Niles at 2000 Old Highway 31 in Niles Township.
Expert Construction Co. redeveloped the property and Rubloff Residential Properties has been appointed to market the condos. Representatives from both companies were on hand Wednesday afternoon with members of the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce for a grand opening celebration.
The entire property has been upgraded and a large amount of work was put into providing residents closer contact with the St. Joseph River, Christie said.
A deck in the backyard of the condos is connected to steps leading down to the river. A walkway added along the river features a canoe and kayak launch, a picnic area and a swinging chair. Christie also said a small line of trees was removed in order to provide residents with a better view of the river.
The former apartment complex has also been completely renovated into one and two-bedroom units. Each one of the 36 units has a nine by 12-foot balcony or a patio area with a view that looks over a large bend in the St. Joseph River.
At least 13 of the units have already been sold. Christie said about half of the owners were drawn from Chicago and bought the condos to be used as a second home. Other buyers included people from the South Bend, Ind. area and Christie himself.
The Riverfront Condominiums were the first project in Michigan for Illinois-based Investment Real Estate, but the company has done several similar jobs in Wisconsin. Christie said he attempted to attract buyers from the Chicago market by advertising on radio stations in the city.
But, Christie said the project would not have gone ahead had he not witnessed the vibrant community atmosphere in the area.
Apparently the view was not the only thing Christie was sold on.