Debbie Blank
The Herald-Tribune
--- — RomWeber Flats, an independent living complex for persons 55 and up, will be developed in a 40,000-square-foot building on South Street between Park Avenue and Depot Street that was constructed in 1955, reported Batesville entrepreneur Bruce Rippe. A new entity affiliated with his family will own the apartments. How did Rippe and associates decide this would be the best use of the structure? “We did a market study,” he said. “The nice thing about this project is it will provide the community with another development for seniors that will allow them to age in place ... people that are living around that area won’t have to leave their community or support group ... when they’re ready to downsize or can’t take care of a house anymore,” Rippe pointed out. Mayor Rick Fledderman said, “It is good to see further development of the Romweber buildings and the investment in our community. We are considering options that can assist the development in becoming a reality.” Drawings have been completed by Batesville architects Jade Ritter and Susan Glaser. The 40 units on four floors will vary in size depending on whether they contain one or two bedrooms. All will have washer/dryer hookups and windows facing either South Street or Depot Street. Renters will be income qualified, according to the owner. “It will have some nice amenities,” according to Rippe. The handicapped accessible building will offer a large community area, beauty parlor and individual interior storage areas. When asked if there will be planned activities, he answered, “That hasn’t been determined yet. There certainly will be space for that.” The developer believes its location will be a plus for tenants. “It’s very close to the downtown ... There’s a park right across the street and Liberty Park” nearby. “There are some hurdles we have to jump before we can start this project,” he observed. “My guess is in a perfect world it will probably start at the beginning of the second quarter of 2011.” The estimated $6 million investment will be spent on infrastructure improvements and construction of the apartments. Rippe said the next step in the process is to apply for federal and state senior housing credits. If those are granted, he is unsure if historic tax credits could be gained as well if Batesville’s proposed historic district is OK’d.
