Jim Goldenberg, managing director of Cathartes Private Investments (CPI) described the project as one which "offers buyers an excellent value, quality construction and an exciting opportunity to get in on the ground floor of Brockton’s Renaissance. This project builds on the past success of similar properties that CPI has developed in Boston and New Jersey., creating loft style, transit oriented village developments through adaptive reuse of underutilized properties." CPI has partnered with Juliano Enterprises of Brockton to create this development.

Jane Wallis Gumble, the Director of Housing and Community Development for Massachusetts spoke enthusiastically on the theme of smart growth, a hallmark of Governor Romney's Housing Development philosophy and a core principal underlying the Etonic Lofts project. The Lofts project, built along transportation lines, is the type of housing the state is hoping more communities embrace. "This development, the work that is being done here, is an extraordinary example of smart growth." Ms Gumble told gathered officials that it is important that housing projects continue in the state as there is such a demand. I wish we could clone Jack Yunits and send him to a few of the communities in the commonwealth."

Etonic Lofts will be built in a style similar to lofts in Boston’s Back Bay with exposed beams and hardwood floors. The lofts will also have self storage spaces and on site parking. There will be an on site fitness center and ground floor commercial, retail or office space. The convenient location of the commuter rail highlights the urban village concept that CPI and Julian Enterprises are marketing. Downtown Boston at South Station is less than 30 minutes away.

The two bedroom lofts will range in size from 885 to 1126 square feet and are priced between $199,000 and $219,000. The condominiums were designed by BKA Associates, a Brockton architectural firm. Along with their own investments, the developers received a $9.1 million loan from MassHousing under its home ownership Construction Loan Program to revitalize the building.

Because the project costs fall within the limits for MassHousing ownership programs, the agency may provide low interest home loans to first time buyers who qualify . Those loans would be available on up to 25 per cent of the units - sixteen.

Etonic Lofts is a prime example of transit oriented development –the type of development that is helping address the housing needs in our cities today and creating a great second life phase for one time premier buildings in downtown areas.

Caldwell Banker Realty will market the Etonic Lofts. They can be reached at (508) 230-2544. Expected occupancy dates are early next year.