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Florida developer hopes to convert an empty Bradenton jail into apartments

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(SNN, NBC NEWSCHANNEL) A seven by ten foot jail cell may not be your first choice for a new home, but one Florida developer sees gold behind those old, iron bars.

Bernard Croghan hopes to convert an empty Bradenton jail into apartments.

He says the former jail is right in the middle of downtown, and left empty does nothing for the economy.

Croghan says he's not worried about those who think it's a creepy idea, and will target millennials hoping to live and work in downtown.

"I'm not worried about that," says Croghan. "This age group has a great sense of humor, I'm sure they're going to be using it."

Floor plans are designed and ready to go if county commissioners give Croghan the OK in January.

The inside will be gutted and re-built.

"There is a great structured roof up there that has a nice view and we will have a grill and an outdoor area and relaxation area," Croghan said.

Croghan expects it will take six months to demolish and one year to fully transform the building.

He hopes affordable housing will be enough to bring millennials home.

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