Williges Lofts Offer Downtown's 3rd Market Rate Housing Development

Sioux City, Iowa – Bart Connelly, president of Connelly Tiehen & Sons (CT&S), today announced the company’s latest downtown redevelopment project, the Williges Lofts.

Seven market rate lofts on the third floor of the historic Williges are under construction and available for purchase. All lofts are single story and offer one, two or three bedrooms and one or two baths. The units range in size from 735 to 1263 square feet and prices range from $104,000 to $152,900. The lofts feature large windows with abundant natural light, soaring ceilings, granite countertops, hardwood floors and a direct connection into the adjacent private parking ramp. Completion of the first loft is expected in mid-March, with all remaining to be finished by the end of May. Special financing is available through Central Bank.

According to Joe Krage, sales associate for United Real Estate Solutions, who is marketing the building, “There is a growing segment of people who have an appetite for the convenient, energetic lifestyle provided by downtown lofts, as proven by the success of the UC Lofts in United Center and the 4th & Jackson Lofts. Given the lofts’ amenities, location, historic views and affordable price point, we expect the Williges Lofts to have a very strong appeal.” And Connelly adds, “Interesting historic buildings, modern lofts, and the downtown cultural and entertainment district provide the right combination to help Sioux City attract and retain graduates and young professionals.”

The Williges Building, located at 613 Pierce, is anchored by Vriezelaar, Tigges Law Firm on the main floor and the Siouxland Economic Development Corporation on the second. The three-story, historic William Steele-designed, 22,650 square foot building was originally constructed in 1917 by the Williges family as a fur sales and storage facility. The Williges shares one of the most architecturally significant blocks in the State of Iowa with the historic Woodbury County Courthouse, restored City Hall and Security National Bank.

Mr. Connelly, who has over 30 years of construction and development experience, says that downtown re-development has become a major aspect of his business, helped in part by the State of Iowa’s encouragement of rehabilitation through its Historic Tax Credit program. This announcement marks Connelly’s fifth development project in downtown Sioux City. Previous projects include the Evans Block, housing Heidman Law Firm at 1128 Historic Fourth Street, the United Center at 302 Jones, the 4th & Jackson building at 700 4th Street, which was renovated into three floors of Class A office space and three floors of market rate lofts and MacBehr’s which was constructed at 1201 Historic Fourth. Connelly has also developed multiple office buildings in Sioux City and Dakota Dunes, SD.

Connelly’s re-development efforts are recognized by the City of Sioux City and the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce. Bob Padmore, Interim City Manager states, "The City of Sioux City values the long and successful partnership we have enjoyed with Bart Connelly. His vision has resulted not only in the creation of jobs but also the preservation of beautiful and historic Sioux City landmark buildings.” According to Padmore, the Williges Lofts will create more state of the art market rate housing that has been identified as a necessary component to the economic success of downtown Sioux City. According to Chris McGowan, president of the Siouxland Initiative and Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, “Connelly is an innovator that has a proven track record in the development of Siouxland and we are pleased that he has chosen to make further investment in the heart of Siouxland, downtown Sioux City.”

United Real Estate Solutions is Siouxland’s largest real estate company with 50 full-time professional sales associates licensed in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. For information regarding the Williges Lofts call Joe Krage at 712-251-4030. Information can also be found online at www.unitedrealestatesolutions.com.

Connelly, Tiehen & Sons is a development, construction and property management company that specializes in commercial and residential projects in the greater Siouxland area. Visit www.ctsbuilders.com for more information.

Contacts:
Joe Krage, United Real Estate Solutions, 712-251-4030
Bart Connelly, CT&S Builders, 712-203-3200