Fairbanks Flats properties could be transformed into 16 townhouses. After years of pushing for the salvaging and redevelopment of the historic Fairbanks Flats property, those behind the revitalization efforts are finally beginning to see the fruits of their labor.

Gorman and Company, the Madison-based developer that was chosen last fall to transform the Flats, presented both the City of Beloit Fairbanks Flats Committee and the neighborhood Fairbanks Flats Revitalization Group with 75 percent design plans for the new buildings Tuesday.

The properties will be transformed into 16 low income, rent-to-own townhouses, while maintaining the relative look and feel of their design.

So far the plans indicate there will be eight three-bedroom apartments and eight two-bedrooms, all of which will feature two full bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, front and rear entrances, outdoor patios and approximately 1,500-square feet of space, including basement areas with washer and dryer units.

Outdoor amenities will include a courtyard between the two buildings, featuring a gazebo, grilling area, picnic tables or benches, playground equipment and garden plots.

“Our thinking was to keep the courtyard somewhat contained, to make it accessible to all residents,” said Mike Ash, of Gorman and Company. “We want to give the residents a chance to make it feel a little bit more like home and something they want it to be.”

The site also will feature approximately 36 parking spots, or at least 1.5 spots per unit, although it has not yet been determined where the parking will be located.

While there were some minor design concerns, the main concern expressed by committee members was whether or not the properties would feature on-site management once completed.

“Based on the experience we've had before, I know that's been one of the concerns all along. I used to live in Chicago, and the difference between residential and off-site management is like night and day,” said Fairbanks Flats steering committee member Barb Milsap-Morrow.

The properties will be managed by Five Star Management, and Gorman and Company hopes to have an on-site property manager living in one of the townhouses, Ash said. Part of that, though, will depend on the communities' success in finding quality candidates to rent the properties, City Manager Larry Arft said.

“If we want on-site management, we need to have 15 quality tenants to fill the building,” Arft said. “People who are interested in taking care of this and managing their property to make this a quality project. That's your next big mission.”

From the looks of it, the undertaking of that mission isn't too far off. Ash said the complete plans should be ready for the city by the end of May, with construction likely beginning by August - something Fairbanks Flats committee members are enthusiastic about.

“What I'm excited about is they seem to truly be paying a lot of attention to detail, to really marry what can be done as acceptable by the historic agencies and what is the wishes of the community,” Milsap-Morrow said. “They've been very good about getting feedback and input.”

Fairbanks Flats Revitalization Group President Ken Ware said the success of the project is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the group.

“We've gotten to the point of realization of hope and persistence, to the point where our determination can be rewarded with what we think is right for the African American community and the City of Beloit as a whole,” Ware said. “Beloit will be able to feel real good about diversity and maintaining the history of its city.”

The next meeting of the city's Fairbanks Flats Committee will be at 4:30 p.m. June 7, at which time Gorman and Company will present its complete plans. The Fairbanks Flats Revitalization Group meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Steel Workers Union, 1620 Shore Drive.

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