A new housing development is being planned for the residential area directly east of Notre Dame's campus.
Developers Dan Foley and Nicholas Tyszka, who boast five Notre Dame degrees between them, plan to build a subdivision of upscale duplex villas and single-family homes called "Irish Crossings."
The development, contingent on a Sept. 9 St. Joseph County Council vote, is slated to be located on an 8.2-acre lot between Burdette Street and Willis Avenue. Between 30 and 60 units would be constructed on the lot, ranging in price from $189,000 to $300,000.
The lot was last the site of a prior attempt to build an exclusive tailgating park by developer Kay Pangraze of Go Park Enterprises. Due to strong objections from community members, many of whom profit from game-day parking business, the tailgate area proposal was voted down by St. Joseph County Council.
Foley and Tyszka claim that every home in their design would be owner occupied, thus helping prevent deterioration or the possibility of turning into student rental property. Tyszka anticipates that the development, estimated at a total value of $12 million, will be home to many Notre Dame faculty members, administrators and alumni.
Optimistic about the long-term success of the project, both Tyszka and Foley have reserved homes themselves to be among Irish Crossings' first residents.
The University is taking a neutral stance on the project, although Tyszka claims that University officials have offered largely positive responses during initial discussions.
"We are neither for or against it," said University spokesman Dennis Brown.
The plan, which has already garnered half a dozen inquiries, is geared to work to the benefit of the university and the neighborhood residents, Tyszka said.
"We have only received favorable feedback," he said. "The neighbors understand that it will make their homes exponentially increase in value."
Although wary of the prospect of another unkempt rental property complex, local property owners are hopeful that Irish Crossings will benefit their neighborhoods.
