Focusing on the desire for authentic development which complements neighborhoods, the collaboration of  Chasse Building Team, RSP Architects and Wetta Ventures broke ground recently at Old School O7, a $2M adaptive re-use and urban in-fill project the corner of 7th St. and Osborn Rd.

The existing church built in 1948 will be adapted into a ±4,000 SF restaurant. The former Osborn School House, which dates back to 1886, will be repurposed into commercial/retail space with three bays each with approximately 1,175 SF.

New construction of a 1,700 SF coffee house is currently underway with infrastructure for the restaurant and commercial/retail space in progress. Even with the newly constructed coffee house, the architecture will pay homage to the mid-century heritage of the renovated school and church and the existing neighborhood. The project’s focus is on three elements: true, local and renewal.

To further honor the past of Old School O7’s location, an art display showcasing the site’s history will be integrated on an outside wall next to the commercial/retail space. A challenge on many infill projects, this development will have plenty of parking, 66 spaces, which is in line with code requirements.

Construction will take place in three concurrent phases: Phase I – coffee house, Phase II – restaurant, Phase III – commercial/retail space. The coffee house’s scheduled opening is set for 4Q 2013. Building permits for Phases II and III will be filed for in April.

Cassidy Turley is broker for the project.