This design study, a view from the Belmont Bridge, shows what a new nine-storey “green” luxury condo building at 201 Avon St. might look like—if it can win City approval.
A nine-storey luxury condo project at 201 Avon St., just south of the Downtown Mall, was deferred by the City Planning Commission at their September 13 meeting despite a “green” design and staff recommendation for approval.
The development appeared before the Planning Commission not because of the nine storeys—zoning allows for that—but because developers want to increase density, to 116 residential units from the 50 units the code allows without special permit.
Architect Randolph Croxton, whose firm is based in New York City, presented plans for a “mixed-use” structure that would wrap around the Beck-Cohen building and include a spa-slash-health club. He highlighted the “green” components to the structure, which would include sky gardens to filter storm water and energy efficient materials and design.
Additionally, he talked of the improvements to the current site. “We are really out there in the frontier,” said Croxton of the location. “This is a brown field. This site has to be cleaned up. There’s a negative here that’s removed.” Croxton said that without the increased density, the developer, Washington D.C.-based Ideal Ventures, couldn’t afford to build.
“For a variety of reasons, this is an important project to support,” said Commissioner Bill Lucy, who liked the location and much of the design.
Several commissioners, while impressed by the environmental aspects, attacked the project’s lack of “affordable” housing. But their decision hinged on fears that not enough of the development is “mixed-use.” The commissioners found the project’s designation of what was commercial and what was residential misleading, determining it fell far short of providing 25 percent of square footage to commercial use.
“This sets a terrible example in terms of mixed-use,” said Barton. “I’m looking at Walker Square and I’m thinking it was a horrible mistake.” Many planning commissioners are still upset about Walker Square, an apartment-turned-condo development between Cherry Avenue and Main Street, which won approval as mixed-use, but instead provided only a private gym restricted to residents.
Croxton tried to reassure the commission that he wasn’t trying to fool them. “If we need to do less residential, we’ll do it.”
The project will be back before the commission at their October 10 meeting.