A significant new residential development was approved this week by the Italian Village Commission. The plan calls for five new residential buildings containing a total of 196 units on the former Acorn Distributors site at 324 E. Second Ave.
The large warehouse building that currently occupies the four-acre site will demolished, although a portion of the smaller building on the parcel’s eastern edge will be renovated to serve as a clubhouse for residents. Assorted materials and equipment from the buildings – things like steel beams, pulley systems, gears and timber – will also be salvaged and utilized in the new construction.
“The architecture pays respect to the warehouse/industrial influence of the area and the history of the site,” said Jason Snyder of Avenue Partners, the developer of the project along with Elford Development and Barker Holdings.
Construction is scheduled to start in late spring or early summer and be completed in about 15 months, according to Snyder. Two of the buildings will be four stories, while the others will stand three stories. Amenities will include a swimming pool and rooftop terrace.
“We also intend to incorporate art work into the design…right now the plan is to have a mural wall as part of the lobby entrance which will be visible from Second Avenue,” said Snyder. “We are very excited about the quality of the design and being part of the continued growth of Italian Village.”
The project, which was first brought to the commission last summer, has undergone numerous revisions since that time, in response to feedback from commissioners.
