Nine-story project eyed for Woodward parcel

Birmingham Planning Board members on Wednesday, December 10, held a pre-application discussion relative to a nine-story mixed use development proposed for the long-vacant corner of Maple and Woodward in the Triangle District, proposed by the Beztac Company.

The proposed development would consist of two floors of underground parking for a combined total of 309 cars plus additional parking spots in other parts of the project. Parking plans also include 200 public parking spaces.The first floor of the development would contain over 15,000 square feet of retail space, with floors two through seven for 197 apartments and floors eight and nine for 27 condos that would be sold.

The majority of the presentation to city planners was made by Victor Saroki of Saroki Architecture in Birmingham, the firm which designed the development.

Saroki told planners that in addition to a community impact study the development group has already retained a noted firm to conduct both a traffic study and an analysis of a shared parking concept that could address a shortage of parking spaces as required by city ordinance, an issue cited by several members of the planning board.

While some planning board members suggested that ultimately the city board of zoning appeals would have to address the parking space shortages, it was pointed out that the planning board by city ordinance had the authority to negotiate any shortfall from ordinance requirements.

Sarsoki also told planning board members that if a restaurant became part of the development, the group would most likely pursue an economic development liquor license because of the amount of money that would be going into this project.

The general reaction from planning board members was positive with the exception of parking issues that still need to be addressed.