Phoenix is set to witness the transformation of the historic Seargeant-Oldaker House into a restaurant, courtesy of LiveForward Development. This downtown structure, crafted in 1909, will retain its craftsman-style exterior while undergoing substantial interior renovations to accommodate diners and future residents. To preserve the building's architectural legacy, which was once on the brink of demolition, LiveForward has earmarked an investment of $2 million to $2.5 million for the project. The revitalization aims to serve the growing residential community and honor the history associated with prominent local figure Elizabeth Seargeant-Oldaker, according to the Phoenix Business Journal.
The Seargeant-Oldaker House, situated at 649 3rd Ave near the Roosevelt Row district occupies approximately 2,600 square feet. LiveForward Development is currently exploring partnerships with restaurateurs to fill the space, with a sharp eye on the neighborhood's culinary scene. "We feel like this restaurant will be a cool gathering spot for folks right here on the corner," said Scott Kilkenny, a partner at LiveForward, in a statement quoted by the Phoenix Business Journal. Plans also include shifting the structure closer to the corner of the lot and forging additional space for potential residential developments.
West of Central Avenue, especially, there's a noted scarcity of dining establishments despite a surge in the residential population. With the downtown area's burgeoning community spirit, the restaurant looks poised to become a central hub for locals. LiveForward is not only thinking of filling stomachs but also of providing living spaces, with a variety of options ranging from five-story apartment buildings to townhomes being considered for the site.
For now, the developer's immediate focus remains the restaurant, slated for a late 2025 inauguration. The house move is scheduled post-January 2025, with a restaurant opening anticipated to occur six to nine months thereafter. "It was a law office for a while so it was pretty broken up and it had a lot 1970s and 80s kind of features, so a lot of that will be removed," stated Kilkenny, indicating a major interior overhaul while preserving the house's historic façade.
The project has received a significant financial boost in the form of a grant from the city of Phoenix worth up to $400,000. This is in exchange for a 30-year conservation easement on the property, ensuring that the home's heritage will be protected. Additionally, the city may offer Government Property Lease Excise Tax incentives to support the residential aspect of the development. Beyond the restaurant, LiveForward's commitment to the downtown Phoenix area extends as they are actively developing three other residential projects, including a six-townhome endeavor currently under construction, as reported by ABC15 News.
