Multi-story development approved for city
By Grace Lovins
A new mixed-use, multi-story development is set to be constructed at the southeast corner of Woodward Avenue and Maple Road after Birmingham’s Planning Board unanimously approved the final site plan and design during the Wednesday, October 28, meeting.
The major development, proposed to occupy two parcels at 34592 Woodward Avenue and 690 E. Maple, will combine the two plots into a six and 10-story building with commercial space, apartments, condominiums and public parking. Apartments will occupy floors two through seven, with 171 units planned, and 21 condominiums will take up floors eight and nine.
Planning director Nick Dupuis explained that the development aligns with the city’s 2040 Master Plan which identifies the Triangle District as an area for additional residential growth and mixed-use development. He said the board previously accepted the project’s community impact study and approved the preliminary site plan in May.
The developer subsequently went to the city’s zoning board of appeals to obtain variances for building height and additional mezzanine levels for parking. Both variances were granted in June.
City planner Leah Blizinski said the proposed project was a well-designed building with thoughtful plans, noting that many of the requirements laid out in the zoning ordinance were already satisfied.
Most of the board’s discussion focused on parking requirements. Under the city’s ordinance, the development would require 496 parking spaces, including 174 public spaces for the building’s bonus stories. The applicant proposed 401 standard spaces with 18 compact parking spaces which are under the 188 sq ft. minimum requirement.
According to Dupuis, the board has the ability to reduce the required parking space if they desire. The board ultimately approved a 20 percent reduction in the required parking, factoring in the compact spaces. Board member Daniel Share emphasized that the board had thoroughly reviewed the parking requirements leading up to the meeting and the decision was based upon a deep analysis.
Other discussion points included the rooftop pool’s proximity to the building’s edge, pedestrian accessibility, landscaping and lighting. In the end, the board accepted the rooftop pool design as is and made exceptions for certain exterior lighting fixtures that illuminate the building’s exterior.
After review of the final site plan and design, the board unanimously approved the site plan and design in a 7-0 vote with five conditions. Both parcels must be combined before applying for construction permits and the developer must go before the city commission for a lease agreement covering canopy and below-grade encroachments at the Maple entrance.
