Schiff Properties received approval last night from the University Review Board to build a five-story mixed-use development at the southeast corner of Lane Avenue and High Street.
The new building will feature 69 apartments, 12,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, and a parking garage with space for 150 cars. It will replace an empty lot formerly occupied by a Shell Station, but a portion of the building will extend behind the existing retail strip at 2120-2124 North High. Schiff Properties developed and still owns that strip and plans to keep the current tenants in those spaces.
The approved design reflects feedback provided by the board over the course multiple meetings — an early iteration featuring a large clock on the corner was deemed too busy by some members of the board.
A 2013 proposal from Elford Development called for four stories on the corner but did not extend down Pearl Alley. By utilizing the surface parking lots behind the retail center, Schiff Properties was able to fit more apartments in the development while providing significantly more parking.
Architect Karrick Sherrill told the board that the goal is to break ground on the project later this summer, with a 14-month construction timeline.
All renderings via Shremshock Architects.
