Housing heads to Front Street

With a goal set to “Rejuvenate the Urbanite Lifestyle,” Hub City Lofts is revamping two historic downtown buildings and creating some affordable, yet unique living options for students. Downtown already has more than 50 apartments, but the new addition will add 55 new apartments, retail, commercial and professional spaces and a courtyard.

Many of the people in charge of the project are Hattiesburg natives familiar with the historic America and Carter buildings on Front Street. One of these natives spearheading the project is Daniel Jussely, who said that inspiration for the project stemmed from the buildings themselves.

“The first time we walked through we saw the architecture, historic value and the beauty of the buildings,” Jussely said. “We fell in love with them, and we’re trying to preserve as much of their history as we can.”

The Carter and America buildings are two historic landmarks downtown, and Jussely is thrilled to have a hand in their restoration.

Jussely expects most of the residents to be graduate level students or young professionals. However, with the variety of options the buildings will offer, such as studio styles and one and two bedroom apartments, students should take note of these great options. The units will range from $650 to $1,500 depending on layout and size.

“I would certainly get an apartment downtown, given adequate security and safety measures are met,” junior math and finance major Ginny Kramer said. “I feel like Hattiesburg’s downtown district has so much to offer, and living in the center of it all would not only be beneficial for me, but also for the businesses downtown. Living in downtown Hattiesburg would truly allow our students to redefine ‘college living.’”

Jason Le Viere, co-owner of Click Boutique & Gallery and Twelve Oaks Accessory Garden, is thrilled about the project.

“I truly believe the Hub City Lofts project will ricochet this downtown, a neighborhood already gaining momentum, to the next level of development,” Le Viere said. “The lofts will fulfill the need for modern downtown living attractive and affordable to students, young professionals and people like you and me.”

Be looking out for the opening of these new apartment buildings by the end of August 2013. Things are moving downtown—literally.