By: Lisa Broadt, Treasure Coast Newspapers
STUART — Three housing developments under construction could bring major changes — as well as 49 apartments, 35 condos and five townhouses — to downtown Stuart within two years.
Azul Apartments, on the city-owned Triangle Property, as well as Seminole Bluff and River House Stuart on Seminole Street are to open between June and summer 2020.
They are poised to provide a variety of new housing options, ranging from $2.1 million waterfront condos to more-affordably-priced family apartments.
City Commissioner Michael Meier said the new developments are a step toward addressing the city's housing limitations.
"We don't have a lot of stock in the city — whether luxury high-end, rentals or affordable homes," Meier said. "I think it will bring more vibrancy to the area."
Seminole Street luxury
River House Stuart is a 15-condo, five-townhouse project on Southeast Seminole Street between Colorado Avenue and Denver Street. Construction began earlier this year, and the development is to open in summer 2020, according to Aaron Hollub, River House developer and owner
The luxury housing project stands out for its distinctly local flair, according to Hollub, who also is vice president of operations at Pinecrest-based Hollub Homes.
“Pretty much everyone touching the project is local to Stuart,” Hollub said. “We wanted to do something in line with what’s on (Seminole Street). It lends itself to Key West more than anything else — though we tried to make it somewhat contemporary.”
This is Hollub’s first venture into Martin County. The 1.2-acre waterfront property’s unique qualities made it an ideal place to start, he said.
“You can’t get better with the views, and the way (the property) juts out. Nothing I can foresee could block the views of the condominium owners,” Hollub said.
The project is separated into three buildings. The largest sits on the waterfront and will house 15 luxury condominiums. Two buildings at the front of the property will house five townhouses…