The Midtown Development Review Committee heard proposals for three new residential towers – two with retail components – at its October meeting.
According to a recap provided by Midtown Alliance, CA Ventures previewed a student residential project at the southeast corner of 3rd Street and Spring Street. The building would be 27 stories with 320 units , 9,400 square feet of retail space on the ground floor and a six-level parking deck. The design of the building, which sits not far from Georgia Tech, evokes a “printed circuit.” The DRC recommended dedicating parking spaces and a pedestrian path from 3rd Street to the retail component. Refinements to the plan are expected to be presented at the November meeting.
CA Ventures also proposed a 32-story mixed-use project with a 417 apartments, 12,000 square feet of retail space and 8 levels of parking at Peachtree and 8th streets. The DRC applauded the striking design, including enclosing the parking levels in glass and panel system. The committee recommended that the design of a motor court area and ‘back-of-house’ area be reconsidered to provide better and safer pedestrian access to both the retailers and 8th Street. sidewalk including a lay-by for pick-up and drop off. Also, further details on the south and east facades are necessary due to the context of the nearby existing buildings. The applicant plans to show changes at the November meeting.
Freeman Partners presented plans for a 7-story residential condo development with up to 29 units at a total of 42,220 square feet at Piedmont Avenue between 12th and 14th streets. The lobby entrance would be located on Piedmont Avenue with parking accessed Parking via a bi-level deck with 40 spaces accessible from 12th. The DRC questioned whether a building of this bulk would be appropriate on this site since the developer is seeking waivers for both height and setback. The committee declined to waive the 50’ height maximum and did not support parking along the sidewalk level for the length of 14th Street and Piedmont Avenue, Instead, the DRC encouraged the applicant to explore limited retail space that could allow for a reduction in parking minimums. Unless substantial changes were made to reduce the height and provide more active uses (whether residential or commercial), the project will not receive DRC approval.
