SALISBURY, Md.- A long-time eyesore in Salisbury will soon turn into an apartment complex and studio for the arts.
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has approved nearly $15 million to go toward the completion of construction of River's Edge on Fitzwater Street.
Musician Alex Wersen said the fact he could soon call River's Edge home is music to his ears.
"Being an artist who has been living at home because I cannot afford to pay full rent, I got my car loaded up," Wersen said.
Wersen said that he considers himself an artist and a part of the city's artist community, so in recognition, the state approved millions of dollars to go toward turning the building into an affordable 90-unit apartment complex that will come complete with an artist's studio.
"It's the kind of thing that would keep me and I think other artists in the area because I have been considering leaving the area to go to bigger places or places where I can be surrounded by other artists or other musicians," he said.
Garrett Davis, who owns a recording studio down the street from the current half-built eyesore, said that having artists and musicians call the city home is a good thing for his business.
"The more clients that come to me, the better my business can continue to thrive and I think as I thrive downtown and bring in more money, then I will be able to reinvest into downtown more," Davis said.
The apartment complex is not just advertising to artists in the area but also to people with disabilities.
"It's for someone who is not ambulatory and utilizes a wheelchair to be able to move freely within the units," said Michael Dyer with the Epilepsy Association of Eastern Shore. "They are able to go underneath of a sink to brush their teeth and just the little things that we take for granted."
Andrew Hanson, with Osprey Property Company, said that plans to start work on the building will begin in about a year.
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has approved nearly $15 million to go toward the completion of construction of River's Edge on Fitzwater Street. (Photo: WBOC)
