New Building on Leland Ave.
For as long as anyone can remember, the Southeast corner of Leland and Rutland has been a vacant lot. In fact this lot is probably the last remaining non-developed site within the immediate neighborhood. Soon this will change. Last year the lot and the adjacent building were sold to a local developer. What could have easily become the classic standoff between residents concerned about maintaining neighborhood character and a developer seeking maximum profit was quietly averted by a concept and design that is sensitive to the pattern of the neighborhood.
The development team wisely chose not to build to the maximum allowed by zoning (see reverse, NC2 Zoning) and designed a three story mixed use structure that is similar to existing buildings on Leland Ave. The new building at 199 Leland Ave will not only be built faster (the community didn't fight it) after completion it will "feel" right. Let's hope future infill developers understand this.
When completed the new building will include about 1,000 ft2 of retail space on the ground floor and six units of senior housing on the second and third floors. The units will be rented (market rate) to qualifying seniors only, therefore the building will have less then the required off street parking. One unique feature that differentiates this project from most new senior housing is that four of the units will have two-bedrooms, instead of the traditional one. This option will allow qualifying seniors greater flexibility in their living arrangements. According to the development team, if the necessary approvals go as planned, the building should be completed by the end of this year, early 2005 at the latest.
Several members of the VVPA met with the project developers and architect and suggested minor changes to the building's façade, which were incorporated into the final design. The developers have tentative plans for the adjacent lot and agreed to keep the community informed as they go forward.
The VVPA will continue to work with the new property owners and would encourage future developers to contact the VVPA prior to plan submittal in order to reach a consensus before proceeding with their project.