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Downtown Fernandina Beach condos, duplex submitted for city panel review
The city of Fernandina Beach’s Technical Review Committee (TRC) is scheduled to consider two small condo developments and a duplex proposal during its meeting Thursday, providing an early look at projects that could reshape parts of the city’s historic core and surrounding neighborhoods.
The TRC will review a proposal involving two vacant properties at 306 Ash St. and 109 S. Eighth St., both located in the city’s Central Business District and within the historic district.
The applicants — Champeau/Morris Condominiums — propose constructing two separate four-unit condominium buildings, along with a small commercial space on each site. Plans describe a four-story configuration for each building, with parking on the ground level, residential units on the next two floors, and commercial space on the top floor. The applicants have indicated the two projects are designed to be architecturally identical and “historic district compliant,” with the goal of streamlining construction and review +TRC First Step Application.
Conceptual drawings submitted with the Ash Street application show a multi-story structure rising to just over 30 feet, with balconies and architectural detailing intended to be consistent with surrounding historic downtown buildings. Floor plans included in the submission outline residential layouts on the upper floors and shared access and circulation elements between units.
First Step items are typically heard at the beginning of each TRC meeting as discussion items, followed by formal reviews of projects that are further along in the development process. No votes are taken, and recommendations are advisory only.
Thursday’s TRC meeting will be held 10 a.m. at City Hall, 204 Ash St., and is open to the public.
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Mark Tomes
I believe that infill, when done with style and respect for native flora, is good planning. It keeps traffic to a minimum, reduces pollution, and provides needed housing. It's not clear from Mike's article, however, if the condos are four stories, but if so, there's no way they can be 30 feet tall: a typical floor is about 10 feet. A two-story condo would be more architecturally consistent with the neighbourhood, although would not allow as much profit for the developers. In addition, trees on the properties should be saved, and every tree that's cut down should be replanted with five more.
Wednesday, January 21 Report this
FunnyGirl4615
Along with Mark's concerns, I am wondering how the South 8th Street will manage car traffic and parking.
Wednesday, January 21 Report this
dpwagner
Proceed with caution on this endeavor. While it sounds rather straightforward I am cautiously skeptical that if approved it could lead to more and larger developments in the downtown area which could diminish the ‘old’ town atmosphere.
Wednesday, January 21 Report this