Boutique hotel planned for North 2nd Street in Fernandina Beach

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

December 16, 2016 11:51 a.m.

View of proposed hotel from Front Street

The Historic District Council (HDC) of the city of Fernandina Beach conceptually approved plans for an 80-room boutique hotel consisting of 3 residential floors above an 82-space parking garage on North Second Street during its December 15, 2016 Regular Meeting. The HDC added conditions to the conceptual approval, which will return to them for final approval at a future date. Those conditions include:

• Lowering the parapet height to the 42-inch maximum allowed under city code;
• Accounting for additional parking needs if the bar and dining room are open to the public;
• Minimizing the rooftop mechanical room at the NE corner of the roof to clearly indicate that the space is non-habitable, unconditioned space;
• Clearly indicating that the rooftop decorative pergolas are not roofed themselves.

Front entrance detail

This project first came before the HDC for conceptual review in January 2016. The architectural firm of Cotner Associates, Inc., represents the property owner, Amelia Historical District Hotel, LLC.

View from N. 2nd Street with Crab Trap in foreground

There are currently two structures on the property that were approved for demolition 6 years ago. Because the permits have expired, the HDC will consider new demolition certificates of approval at its January meeting.

Hotel site delineated by red line

Editor's Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne's many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.