Tree Protection Still Holding Up New Downtown Building

Fairhope, Alabama 

 Updated to include additional comments from a previous architect. (at bottom)

Proposed new building/tree trimming.

Existing conditions.

412 FAIRHOPE AVENUE

After a lengthy discussion, the city council decided to delay (table) approving plans for a new 3-storey building on Fairhope Avenue until parties involved come up with a better way to deal with the street tree in the city's right of way is found. Unlike most other street trees, this one was not planted on the property line, but about two feet inside it. (When he property line is extended out into the sidewalk, which is the city's property.)

The owner, 412 Fairhope Avenue Llc. (Brian Britt, Gardner Malouf), wants to install balconies extending all the way over the sidewalk and severely trim back limbs as needed for clearance, but city staff recommend just reducing the dimensions/size of the proposed balcony instead.

Other options include removing a parking space in front for new tree planting space ... or reducing its depth some for a new triangular tree well, or relocating/replacing the tree to the property line with appropriate trimming.

 

New triangular tree well proposal.

 

The new building (see at very bottom) is to have commercial space on the first floor and residences on upper ones, with required parking for two cars in back.

Ryan Baker of Walcott, Adams, and Verneiulle  is the project's architect.

 

DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT

The existing building was built in 1903 and is considered a contributing (relevant) structure in the city's downtown historic district (officially site #76). 

It was once a rudimentary hospital according to a recent historical survey commissioned by the city. Local historian Donnie Barrett says it was the first "African American" barbershop in town as well.

The building cannot be saved, according to the previous owner's architect, Rebecca Bryant. 

Update: Bryant contacted the times later to clarify her position.

"I did say that I understand why they are tearing it down, because a lot of work is required, and the amount of leasable space in the historic building is limited. and it is difficult to make the numbers work. I think I said  “I get it,” because I do.  We designed 3 different versions of a revitalization and addition for the previous owner, and as construction costs kept increasing the ROI just didn’t make sense.

But I want to be clear that I didn’t say that the building could not be saved."

 

Old hospital.

New building design.