Lofts on 5th LLC gets thumbs up from HDC

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

August 2, 2018

There may soon be even more opportunities to live downtown Fernandina Beach.  At their August 1, 2018 Special Meeting, the city’s Historic District Council (HDC) gave final approval to plans to convert the former First Baptist Church education building at 19 N. 5^thStreet into nine condominiums.  The building is considered non-contributing to the downtown Historic District since it dates to 1963.

Rendering of building showing new entrance and landscaping on 5th Street facade, two balconies, and screened air handling equipment at southwest corner.

The changes that the applicant requested included new windows, doors and entry way as well as the addition of balconies and a rooftop terrace with a greenroof system.

The HDC had previously provided conceptual approval to the project at its April 19, 2018 Regular Meeting.

In returning to the HDC for final approval Skilling Architects presented a detailed account of how they had addressed concerns raised by both the HDC and the public during their initial presentation.  Points addressed included:

• Adding individual trash receptacles for each condo owner on the north side of the building in the alleyway separating the building from the Promise Land Church.This will eliminate the need for a dumpster.
• Placing 4 air handling units in that same alley way and 8 screened units at the southwest corner of the building, where the existing air cooler sits. The project’s engineer explained that the new units would operate at 45 decibels, emitting noise at the level of today’s dishwashers.
• Outdoor lighting would be minimal and would not intrude on neighbors.
• The rooftop areas accessible by condo owners would be set back from the edge of the building in an attempt to address privacy concerns of neighboring properties.The project will use transparent glass on the rooftop railings, which are stepped back from the roof.  Also, the roof edges would be “scuppered,” to ensure that any debris generated stays on the property and does not drop down on neighbors.

Two neighbors expressed lingering concerns regarding noise from air handlers, trash and privacy, while expressing appreciation for Silling’s efforts to address or moderate the impacts.

In approving the project the HDC members commended the architect and planners for their extensive and complete application and review, expressing the desire that others would emulate them.

Jodie Drake, representing the project’s architectural firm, indicated that work on the project would begin as soon as building permits can be obtained.

To view complete application, click here.