Fairhope, Alabama.
OAK AVE. AT BANCROFT STREET
The Planning Commission unanimously approved the site plan for a 3 story (35' height) mixed-use building at 406 Oak St. -- across from the Eastern Shore Art Center.
The property is located in the central business district and is zoned B-4.
Larry Smith, representative for S.E. Civil Engineering, said the 2,804 sq. feet upstairs will be residential (4 units) and 1,900 on the bottom floor commercial use (professional offices).
Only one parking space per residential unit is required; but more are allowed (usually 2).
Referring to another recently-approved downtown project where some commercial space was to be upstairs, but was ultimately approved by the council as all residential, Councilman Burrell asked if the 1,900 sq. ft. included parking space -- and was told it did not.
Burrell: "I don't want somebody proposing mixed-use ... and wind up making that... a foyer for condos upstairs ... should be only commercial."
Burrell has expressed concerns that too much residential downtown could eventually harm the central business district; the planning commission has appointed a sub-committee to study that issue.
Mayor Kant asked if the oak tree on the lot will be protected and "hand-digging" used around it to protect the critical root zone (vs. a back hoe) and was given assurances saving the tree is a high priority.
Kant: "... should be hand-digging only ... not a tractor tearing up roots."
L. Smith said design configuration of the building took into account the tree protection issues.
(Since the project has a residential component with a parking lot requirement, the city's tree ordinance fully applies. It would not had it been all commercial, as with another project now under construction on Fairhope Ave. at Church St.)
Records show Peter Sikorowoski as the primary owner of the lot, as well as the adjacent one. (404 Oak Ave.).
His wife Laurie is an architect for the WAV architectural firm located in Fairhope.
It was not discussed if/how the new project may affect the existing structure next door.
The city council will still have to approve the site plan.
OAK AVE. AT BANCROFT STREET
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| 406 Oak Street |
The property is located in the central business district and is zoned B-4.
Larry Smith, representative for S.E. Civil Engineering, said the 2,804 sq. feet upstairs will be residential (4 units) and 1,900 on the bottom floor commercial use (professional offices).
Only one parking space per residential unit is required; but more are allowed (usually 2).
Referring to another recently-approved downtown project where some commercial space was to be upstairs, but was ultimately approved by the council as all residential, Councilman Burrell asked if the 1,900 sq. ft. included parking space -- and was told it did not.
Burrell: "I don't want somebody proposing mixed-use ... and wind up making that... a foyer for condos upstairs ... should be only commercial."
Burrell has expressed concerns that too much residential downtown could eventually harm the central business district; the planning commission has appointed a sub-committee to study that issue.
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| Larry Smith |
Kant: "... should be hand-digging only ... not a tractor tearing up roots."
L. Smith said design configuration of the building took into account the tree protection issues.
(Since the project has a residential component with a parking lot requirement, the city's tree ordinance fully applies. It would not had it been all commercial, as with another project now under construction on Fairhope Ave. at Church St.)
Records show Peter Sikorowoski as the primary owner of the lot, as well as the adjacent one. (404 Oak Ave.).
His wife Laurie is an architect for the WAV architectural firm located in Fairhope.
It was not discussed if/how the new project may affect the existing structure next door.
The city council will still have to approve the site plan.
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| building site |
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