Archive for August, 2009

If you’ve heard about The Fultonia project either through the local news media or by following this blog, you’re probably familiar with the term, “SoTow”, and may have wondered what it means and why it is so significant to the Tower District and to Central Fresno. Basically, the term SoTow, (South of Tower) was created to help establish a new identity for the Tower District neighborhood south of Olive Avenue.

The term was first conceived when I was contacted by property owner Terance Frazier with TFS Investments, LLC to look at The Fultonia; a 39-unit apartment complex with 10 commercial spaces in front that he had just purchased. As I walked through the complex I saw a unique opportunity to bring a once-proud property with great architectural bones and a neighborhood that was suffering from years of neglect back to life.

I also saw an existing structure, built around 1950, that although in terrible condition offered something that was extremely rare in Fresno – an existing mixed-use property with both residential and commercial spaces available. The only other properties that offered this unique mix were either built recently or are currently under construction. A small complex was built a few years ago across from Fresno State that has retail on the ground floor with apartments above and Reza Assemi has become the preeminent mixed-use developer in the Uptown Arts District with both completed mixed-use projects and others in progress.

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Designer Jessica Jovan with Interior Motives was instrumental in working with TYCO Project Manager Richard Deaver on the kitchen cabinet designs to optimize the efficiency and work area in the newly redesigned kitchens and on the design of the new baths. The original kitchens were very small and poorly designed, but the new kitchens have been reconfigured and are much more open and spacious. Fultonia residents will enjoy the new kitchens, which will feature oak cabinets, granite countertops and wood laminate flooring along with new stoves and refrigerators in each unit.

The newly redesigned baths will feature all new plumbing and lighting fixtures as well as new wood laminate flooring.

With the range of skills, and the knowledge that Jessica received from her education as a Cal State Fresno graduate in the Design program, and having worked as an Interior Designer, she now enjoys focusing on improving the quality and safety as well as improving the overall function of the building or living space with key focus on the overall appearance and aesthetics. (more…)