401 Oberlin, Our New Neighbor, Opens
After many months of earth-movers, cranes and traffic cones, 401 Oberlin, our new neighbor at Clark Avenue and Oberlin Road, is finally open. Finishing work continues, but Chris Garrard, assistant community manager, said that 110 of the 244 available units are already under contract, and more than 70 are occupied. The new rental community consists of one, two and three bedroom apartments and 16 two-story townhouses with direct access on Clark or Stafford Street. Nine of the units are equipped specifically for people with physical limitations.
“Folks are moving in at the rate of 20 per week,” Garrard said.
The 401 complex rents only to persons 22 or older, and is entirely nonsmoking. Occupants so far include graduate students, professors, bankers, researchers, and retired people. Work on the Oberlin Road frontage retail space is still continuing, and will eventually house a 5,800 square foot Tupelo Honey restaurant featuring regional cuisine, an ATT Wireless store, and a nail salon.
The interior design of 401 reflects up-market taste, and many of the fixtures are by local artists and craftspeople. The common room features an extraordinary 20-seat table handcrafted from wood reclaimed from a tobacco barn.The tenants will also enjoy use of a patio and pool, barbecue cookers, and an exercise room. In a nod to promoting a “neighborhood feel,” Garrard said the various floor plans for “401” are named after streets in the vicinity: Vanderbilt, Rosemont, Everett, Bedford, Stafford, Chamberlain, Dawson, and Wade. He said “401” tenants are drawn to the neighborhood by amenities such as the Greenway, Rose Garden, Little Theater, and shopping center. They’re eager to participate in community activities.