The people who brought you the Flatz@2015 and the Flats @ Girard Pointe are at it again. A vacant lot at 1300 N. American St., currently owned by the RDA, will soon be purchased by American Studios LLC, a company owned by Jeffrey Tubbs of JDT International. Mr. Tubbs, having developed the Flats @ Girard Pointe a block away, has plenty of experience in this neighborhood.

The lot today

The future

The American Studios project, as it’s currently proposed, will include five residential units. There will be 2 one-bedroom units that measure about 1000 sqft and will be listed for about $275K, and 3 larger loft-type units that measure 1800-2400 sqft and will be listed in the mid $300K range. A green roof, balconies, and other amenities are planned for the development as well. The developer has been in communication with the community, but still has to go through the zoning process, so the designs have not yet been finalized.

As was the case with Tubbs’ other projects, Urban Roots will be involved, running a youth mentoring workshop in association with the American Studios development. Starting at the end of the month, twenty students from Youthbuild Charter School will begin a sixteen session program where they will learn about development, construction, design, and fine art. Speaking of fine art, Tubbs will again partner with PrePost to design and implement a public/private art installation at American Studios, similar to the Urban Topiary at the Flats @ Girard Pointe.

We give Mr. Tubbs a ton of credit for going the extra mile on his projects, offering unique programs for neighborhood youth and contributing public art in a neighborhood that needs beautification. We could all learn a lot from this guy.

American Studios will hopefully break ground in about six months.