Our program featured Garett Vassell, who is the founder of the Optima Durant Group that is the force behind the amazing Commodore project in downtown Easton. He founded the company in 2017 and little by little found himself getting in to building. Prior ventures with a school friend brought him to the Easton area.
His interest in the Kaplan’s building was crushed because the property was already under an agreement of sale. That deal fell through, and he purchased the property in 2018. They managed to maintain the original 1880 façade, but the 1946 addition had to be demolished. The location of the project at the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers allows for some spectacular views. The building is adjacent to Scott Park giving residents access to recreational trails. The Commodore is within easy walking distance of downtown attractions and restaurants.
The rooftop restaurant called Thyme will feature indoor and outdoor dining. You can even dine whilst looking through the glass clock at the top of the northeast corner of the building. There are 32 luxury residences available. Residents are greeted by a private residential lobby with a front desk, and a day-time Commodore staff-member. Building amenities include: fitness center, dog wash, secured package room, amenity lounge and limited reserved parking.
There is also a partnership with the Third Street Alliance to provide some affordable housing. Other spaces are available for offices and retail stores. The retail spots on Northampton Street will be filled with Bella Bridesmaids and the Clever Girl Winery. The projects been an ongoing adventure. Navigating through the COVID years has not been easy. There were many supply chain issues, and a steel contractor went bankrupt midway through their work. The project is hoped to be complete in the summer of 2023.