New apartment complex first big development in up-and-coming Mississippi Coast location
Location is everything in real estate and the 156 apartments at The Lofts are right off Interstate 10, in one of the top-ranked school districts in the state and the first big development on a new road with easy connections to restaurants, shops and entertainment.
A ribbon cutting Thursday gave the community and prospective residents a chance to look around.
The one-, two- and three-bedroom units have coveted granite counters and stainless steel appliances, along with modern flooring, high end electric lighting mixed with recessed lights, private balconies and lots of storage, said Joe Cloyd, one of the developers.
The Lofts also has a fitness room with 24-hour access and a swimming pool near the entrance to the community and connecting to the clubhouse.
And the location means residents will have easy access to I-10, although they can connect to D’Iberville, Ocean Springs and the Biloxi casinos without having to take the interstate on busy weekends.
The Lofts are at 14912 Mallett Road, which parallels and runs north of I-10 in St. Martin. Turn right out of the complex, and the road goes directly to D’Iberville’s shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Turn left and take Washington Avenue down into Ocean Springs and its many restaurants and festivals.
Jackson County and the state spent more than $20 million to develop the road and open opportunities, Cloyd said. He developed The Lofts with David Harvey and Chris Eaton, who also own Lighthouse Living, an independent living and nursing home in Ocean Springs
The county supervisors put a lot of forethought into development this road, Cloyd said, and together with the state invested about $20 million to create the corridor.
The supervisors’ intention was to continue the retail development at The Promenade and on Sangani Boulevard in D’Iberville into Jackson County.
Cloyd said it also makes a lot of sense for housing, considering the tight rental market on the Coast St. Martin High School is ranked No. 6 in the state.
“We’re excited to get something jump started there,” he said.
“The Lofts in the first major development to break ground and open here,” he said, and the owners believe it will lead to more commercial development along the new road, with talk of new entertainment projects locating there.
Rents start at about $1,300 and some pets are allowed for an additional fee. Prospective tenants will find the rental office at the complex open daily from 9 a.m. except Sunday.