The little things are starting to add up to a high quality of life at the Knicker Bocker Apartments in Midtown.
The 1920s-era apartment building at Cass Avenue and Canfield Street has undergone a number of small improvements over the last year. The underlying theme of these improvements consists of a heavy emphasis on the exterior aesthetics and functionality.
"We want to beautify that corner," says Raymond DeBattes, manager of the Knicker Bocker Apartments. "We want to participate in the progress that is taking place in Midtown."
DeBattes and Corin Blust, also a manager of the building, have been spear heading the improvements, which include installing a contemporary bench in the vacant lot next to the building, tuck pointing the brick exterior, laying down several yards in the parking spaces and alleyway behind the building and removing the old chain-link fence in front of the building.
"It looks much better with the fence gone," DeBattes says. He adds that its removal helps make the building more welcoming and increases the sense of community.
DeBattes and Blust plan to add more landscaping improvements this spring and summer. The duo are not doing this to up occupancy. Every one of the Knicker Bocker Apartment's 22, one-bedroom apartments is leased and demand for housing in the greater downtown area, especially Midtown, has been growing.
Source: Raymond DeBattes, manager of the Knicker Bocker Apartments
Writer: Jon Zemke
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