Kennett's Ely & Walker facility opens to public

KENNETT, Mo. -- Local, area, and state officials, "including a tentative confirmation from Lt. Governor Peter Kinder and Kennett local and national celebrity Sheryl Crow," will be at Kennett on Monday, May 19, 2008, according to a statement released by Carlson Gardner, Inc. and Mid America Management.

Several months ago, "Carlson Gardner received an allocation for Low Income Housing Tax Credits from the Missouri Housing Development Commission [MHDC] that allowed for a complete restoration of the former Ely & Walker Dry Goods Company Factory No. 5 in downtown Kennett, known now as Ely-Walker Apartments," the release said.

The release issued by Carlson Gardner and Mid America Management also announced the opening of the Ely-Walker Apartments with an Open House beginning at 2 p.m. Monday.

The former Factory No. 5 has been renovated and converted to an apartment community with 46 units, a first-floor lobby and common areas that "have been restored and redesigned to reflect the grandeur of its era."

Also, "a community room will serve the residents and community as a place for social gatherings and activities and is centrally located on the first floor near the leasing/management office," according to the statement.

According to the release, the apartment community now has 22 one-bedroom units, approximately 775 to 1,175 square feet, at a rental rate of $295 to $305 per month, 21 two-bedroom units with one bath, approximately 990 to 1,400 square feet, at a rental rate of $335 to $350 per month, and 3 two-bedroom units with two baths, approximately 1,140 to 1,340 square feet, at a rental rate of $365 per month.

"The rental rates include water, trash and sewer paid. Each apartment has central heating and air conditioning, dishwasher, garbage disposal, range and oven, refrigerator, microwave, carpeting, mini-blinds and washer and dryer units provided for the residents," according to the release.

The Ely-Walker Dry Goods Company Factory No. 5 was built in 1923 and served as one of the main employers to Kennett and the Bootheel area until it closed in 1980. The structure is located at 221 S. Main Street in Kennett, stands three stories tall and is divided into three bays with two one-story wings that were constructed later in approximately 1940 that feature multiple skylights, the release states.

Also, "original hardwood floors are still intact in large areas of the building and were preserved and incorporated into the revitalization efforts."