Twice delayed amid objections from nearby property owners, a team of developers got the thumbs up Monday for a new downtown apartment building.
A rendering of the planned building at First and Canal streets. (Photo by Burl Rolett)
Richmond City Council approved an ordinance to conditionally rezone less than half an acre at First and Canal streets to make way for a five-story, 70-unit apartment complex. Monument Construction, in a joint venture with Marc Galt of Sensei Development, is under contract to buy the plot and plans to break ground as soon as the permitting process is complete.
The project was a source of development drama over the past month as the development team and surrounding business owners wrangled over the size of the proposed building and the parking requirements that should accompany it. But it passed unanimously Monday and without comment from any of several neighbors that had previously opposed the project.
Plans originally called for 93 units when Monument and Galt first filed for a rezoning application in August 2013. The developers cut back to 70 units in December before the city planning commission heard their rezoning request in January. The commission on Jan. 6 recommended approval of the rezoning case.
The request went before City Council on Jan 13. At that meeting, several business owners opposed the plan, citing concerns about property values, potential loss of river views, traffic congestion and parking. After a brief discussion, City Council approved a motion to continue the item until its next meeting.
A vote was again delayed at the Jan. 27 council meeting, and the proposed ordinance was amended to require the developers to provide one onsite parking spot per apartment.
The project sits between 109 and 119 S. First St. on land owned by Lezione Capital, according to city records. Final plans for the apartment building will not require city council review as long as they stay within the bounds of B-5 zoning and the proffered parking conditions.
The First and Canal project was one of a few real estate-related items to earn council approval Monday. A special-use permit for a 66-unit apartment building on Cutshaw Avenue and an outdoor dining area at Sugar Shack Donuts also received council approval.
Twice delayed amid objections from nearby property owners, a team of developers got the thumbs up Monday for a new downtown apartment building.
A rendering of the planned building at First and Canal streets. (Photo by Burl Rolett)
Richmond City Council approved an ordinance to conditionally rezone less than half an acre at First and Canal streets to make way for a five-story, 70-unit apartment complex. Monument Construction, in a joint venture with Marc Galt of Sensei Development, is under contract to buy the plot and plans to break ground as soon as the permitting process is complete.
The project was a source of development drama over the past month as the development team and surrounding business owners wrangled over the size of the proposed building and the parking requirements that should accompany it. But it passed unanimously Monday and without comment from any of several neighbors that had previously opposed the project.
Plans originally called for 93 units when Monument and Galt first filed for a rezoning application in August 2013. The developers cut back to 70 units in December before the city planning commission heard their rezoning request in January. The commission on Jan. 6 recommended approval of the rezoning case.
The request went before City Council on Jan 13. At that meeting, several business owners opposed the plan, citing concerns about property values, potential loss of river views, traffic congestion and parking. After a brief discussion, City Council approved a motion to continue the item until its next meeting.
A vote was again delayed at the Jan. 27 council meeting, and the proposed ordinance was amended to require the developers to provide one onsite parking spot per apartment.
The project sits between 109 and 119 S. First St. on land owned by Lezione Capital, according to city records. Final plans for the apartment building will not require city council review as long as they stay within the bounds of B-5 zoning and the proffered parking conditions.
The First and Canal project was one of a few real estate-related items to earn council approval Monday. A special-use permit for a 66-unit apartment building on Cutshaw Avenue and an outdoor dining area at Sugar Shack Donuts also received council approval.
More shoddy journalism by Mr. Rolett!! After three articles on this project, you have yet to interview the Planning Department, read the planning report, meet development team , read the existing zoning code or meet the neighbors, other than Mr. Smith. You fail to mention the planning staff recommendation and support of the project, the Planning Commission unanimous approval and the fact there was one letter of opposition at the time of Planning Commission and four neighbors wrote in support. At the time of the Council vote yesterday there was no one to speak in opposition and we had secured… Read more »
I’m not sure if you’re reading the same article that I am, but Rolett’s piece seems fairly neutral/objective to me. I didn’t note any “spin” in the article.
Maybe you could post a link to a current rendering of the proposed project?
Yet another wonderful project from Sensei Development and Monument Construction to fill an empty unproductive city lot with tax revenue generating affordable housing. They deserve congratulations for working with the community and the city staff through the approval process.
As well, its good to hear that the Daniel Building on Cutshaw Avenue will be renovated for apartments. Its been sitting empty too long since being destroyed by fire. Congratulations to ex-Wahoo footballer Chris Harrison for moving this project to fruition.
Congratulations to Sensei and Monument. This looks to be another fantastic project!