Per StNDB the proposal is to renovate it for a bank on the first floor and apartments above but they want to tear down the small building next door. I have mixed feelings about this. I like that they're doing mixed use and I was actually just driving by there and thinking that place could make for some cool apartments, but I hate that they're putting in a bank/a drive-through place there and that they want to tear down the building next to it. I think we need more density along Lindell and should not be tearing down buildings when we have this massive strip mall across the street.
And it looks like they'll only get like 12 parking spots by tearing down the building. Pointless.
fwiw, Park Central's recommendation is that the developers either renovate 4108 or replace it with another building. Also they want to remove curb-cuts from Lindell. Both good stances.
I attended the meeting, and overall I was pleased with The Lawrence Group's proposal. Obviously I am against the demolition of 4108, but Steve Smith's explanation of why rehab isn't feasible is at least understandable, though not ideal. The building would likely not qualify for any subsidy, and if they added more apartments in 4108, the parking requirements would be even higher and the space even more limited. I personally think the project could be marketed to car-less residents, but Mr. Smith presented a variety of reasons why parking is required in order to make the project work.
The proposal for 4100 sounds very impressive. The Lawrence Group is planning a historically accurate rehab, complete with mid-century finishes with modern amenities. Originally, the proposal called for a curb cut on Lindell, but Mr. Smith said that can be re-worked. The question of what the west wall of 4100 looks like if 4108 disappeared also came up, and they definitely plan to enhance the aesthetics with some kind of artistic treatment.
I heard from someone that another developer wanted to take on this project and rehab both buildings, but they were out-bid by The Lawrence Group. We'll see how this evolves, but I definitely think this building will be a unlikely and unique shining star in the city's residential market.
Also discussed was the future of the Optimist International building at Lindell & Taylor. Optimist International will be moving out of the building, and they are exploring the idea selling the property for redevelopment. Everyone is aware of the significance of the building, but they also recognize the demand for increased density, and are exploring the idea of a signature, contemporary high-rise to replace it. They are just gauging neighborhood sentiment now, so they haven't developed any renderings yet. The representative from Covington Development specifically stated that they desire to build a modern-style building (12-13 stories) and it would not pretend to look historic in any way. I was relieved to hear that they understand the importance of not trying to mimic the old, and instead envision a modern tower. Covington Development actually reached out to the Archdiocese to inquire about leasing or purchasing the surface lot (former site of the San Luis), but the Archdiocese plainly said no.
It seemed clear that the members of the board were definitely open to exploring the option further, but ultimately their endorsement will depend on the quality of the architecture that is proposed.
The proposal for 4100 sounds very impressive. The Lawrence Group is planning a historically accurate rehab, complete with mid-century finishes with modern amenities. Originally, the proposal called for a curb cut on Lindell, but Mr. Smith said that can be re-worked. The question of what the west wall of 4100 looks like if 4108 disappeared also came up, and they definitely plan to enhance the aesthetics with some kind of artistic treatment.
I heard from someone that another developer wanted to take on this project and rehab both buildings, but they were out-bid by The Lawrence Group. We'll see how this evolves, but I definitely think this building will be a unlikely and unique shining star in the city's residential market.
Also discussed was the future of the Optimist International building at Lindell & Taylor. Optimist International will be moving out of the building, and they are exploring the idea selling the property for redevelopment. Everyone is aware of the significance of the building, but they also recognize the demand for increased density, and are exploring the idea of a signature, contemporary high-rise to replace it. They are just gauging neighborhood sentiment now, so they haven't developed any renderings yet. The representative from Covington Development specifically stated that they desire to build a modern-style building (12-13 stories) and it would not pretend to look historic in any way. I was relieved to hear that they understand the importance of not trying to mimic the old, and instead envision a modern tower. Covington Development actually reached out to the Archdiocese to inquire about leasing or purchasing the surface lot (former site of the San Luis), but the Archdiocese plainly said no.
It seemed clear that the members of the board were definitely open to exploring the option further, but ultimately their endorsement will depend on the quality of the architecture that is proposed.
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It will be interesting to see how things evolve in this section of Lindell. Maybe we'll one day get to the point where Smith or someone else is able to tear down the Firestone and the rest of the mess across the street and replace with quality mixed-use!
Looks like 4108 is a goner as Preservation Board preliminarily approved demo. No replacement required so here comes another parking lot.
So, the Lawrence Group is now asking for longer tax abatement than previously approved. See Stephen Smith's letter here:
http://www.parkcentraldevelopment.org/w ... tement.pdf
http://www.parkcentraldevelopment.org/w ... tement.pdf
