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Wednesday, March 4, 2015
News NoDa Neighborhood Association hears plans for new development
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Wed, Mar 4, 2015 at 12:00 PM
As construction continues on the future light rail line in the NoDa neighborhood, residents are keeping an eye on that project's progress and getting updates about the area's development. At last night's neighborhood association meeting, Crescent Communities presented its rough ideas for a seven-acre plot of land between 35th and 36th streets, which includes the current homes of the Chop Shop and Ultimate Gym.
- Melissa Oyler
- The Evening Muse was packed with NoDa neighbors interested to hear what may be coming to NoDa
The proposal, which would effectively demolish the businesses that are currently housed there, is being viewed as the "lesser of two evils" that the neighborhood association voted to support by a 33-2 margin, with one person abstaining.
For the last week, according to neighbors, Crescent has shown an unprecedented willingness to work with residents on its project. In December, another developer gave a presentation for the site, which drew far more uncertainty about what might be put on the site. While Crescent's plans also remain a huge question mark at this time, Crescent did present some of its ideas, should the sale of the property, which is contingent on a March 16 rezoning hearing, go through.
Crescent representatives discussed building a multi-family, mixed-use development that would have both commercial and residential aspects — given the light rail expansion, that's to be expected. They also talked about having a "responsibility to the history and culture that has made this place so special" and hope the new development will "weave into the fabric of the existing place." They want to bring trees back to the area, have bike storage, incorporate local artists' work, potentially have artists-in-residence spots and give the project an overall deconstructed feel.
"Lots of glass, quirky furniture and an industrial feel" were some of the descriptive terms used. There was also mention of a potential boutique hotel (at a cap height of 80 feet).
Other, albeit not as original, ideas the developer said it's explored include a grocer, brewery or restaurant on the site.
A big concern right now, of course, is parking. Crescent said it would build a parking deck for the future residents of the development, but also hoped to include extra parking for the area's business traffic.
In reference to a question about the Chop Shop, Crescent vice president Benjamin Collins said the owners were aware that it was a short-term lease when it opened, and the location would be effectively demolished, though some parts of its structure may be incorporated into the new plans.
A call out to the owners of the Chop Shop had not been returned as of publication.
With the light rail station being built across the street, the proposed development could be seen as a front door to the community, Crescent said. Still, during a discussion after the presentation, residents' biggest hesitations in showing support was the worry of the unknown.
What's the rush? Should the rezoning not be approved, it would hinder the sale and prevent Crescent from breaking ground in 2015. The developers hope to get started this year in order to complete the project around the same time the light rail station is expected to be finished in 2017.
With Crescent expressing interest in working with residents on the design of the property, several people admitted they were afraid of the alternative. If the sale doesn't go through, another company could come in and go through the motions of development without getting residents' input.
Of course, there's nothing saying Crescent has to keep its word, either, and broken promises aren't unheard of when it comes to land and money.
Crescent is currently working on a project that would bring a Whole Foods and more hotels to Uptown, along with finished projects around the Southeastern U.S..
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