Local developer Berardi and Partners has proposed a five-story mixed-use building for the corner of East Spring and Neilston Streets. The proposal, which was conditionally approved by the Downtown Commission at their April 2nd meeting, calls for a five-story building known as Discovery Commons, that includes ground-floor retail, a 60-space underground parking garage and 100 apartment units.
Two existing vacant buildings at 283 E. Spring, previously occupied by a series of different nightclubs, would be demolished.
Daniel Thomas, the city’s urban design manager who staffs the commission, said that the proposal is similar to one that Berardi presented to the commission in December of 2011. At last week’s meeting, the commission made some suggestions regarding the appearance of the building, but left it to the applicant to work out the details with Thomas.
The mix of apartments would include eight one-bedroom, 56 two-bedroom and 36 three-bedroom units for a total of 228 available beds. The plans also call for about 19,000 square feet of retail on the first floor, divided into six spaces. According to Thomas, the expectation is that something oriented to residents of the building (like a gym or workout facility) would fill at least a portion of this space.
Karrick Sherrill, Principal at Berardi, said that they do not yet have a timeline established for the project.
More information about Berardi and Partners can be found at www.berardipartners.com.
Renderings by Berardi and Partners.