Every time I pass the Aspen Heights student housing development on Highway 67 South, I am amazed. This massive development which is slated for completion Aug. 1 is coming together at a rapid pace thanks to the hard work of many local subcontractors.
      "The vast majority of our subcontractors are typically local or a least regional," said Ryan Fetgatter, director of development for the company. "Overall, construction of this complex has been a very positive experience. We are going to finish on schedule, and the city has been wonderful to work with. I can't say enough good things."
      Aspen Heights will house 1,087 students on a 64-acre footprint. According to Fetgatter, the complex is 90-percent leased at this point.
      "This is the largest project that we have done to date," he said. "We feel really good about this one. We will be breaking ground on five more over this summer. We have over a dozen properties at this point."
      Fetgatter said the transformation of the site will be remarkable over the next 30 to 60 days.
      "Right now there is still dirt flying everywhere, and trucks in and out," he said. "It won't be long before all of the landscaping begins to go in. Everything will be ready, including the amenities."
       Local realtor Nick Propps has 8.5 acres of commercial property facing Highway 67 adjoining Aspen Heights listed for sale. There is one-acre tract and one 7.5-acre tract.
      "We have 1.5 acres of the 7.5 acre tract under contract to be developed as a Wild Wing Cafe," he said. "The renderings are very cool, and it will look modern. Assuming everything goes as planned, construction on it should start in the next month."
Propps said there is tremendous interest in the properties listed on Fair Road between the Bypass and Burkhalter Road.
      "We have other properties under contract as well," he said. "This area, particularly with Aspen Heights opening, is a very hot commodity right now. There is just a ton of interest development wise, and it is very positive interest. I think this is an area which will be greatly transformed in the next two to three years, both residentially and commercially."
      So, until next Tuesday, I bid you au revoir.
      Got a scoop for Jan? Call her at (912) 489-9463 or email her at jmoore@statesboroherald.com