Polishing Lane Parke
In August, Lane Parke developers introduced a polished plan for the site that includes a significant reduction in density. The changes include not only more green space and higher-quality structures, but also a better adherence to the “feel” of Mountain Brook Village.
“Now that we’ve refined and know exactly what we’re building, there is probably less than a 1 percent difference in terms of the total economic project, which is going to be approaching $120 million,” said Pat Henry, chief development officer with Daniel Corporation. “While it’s down in square footage, the economic investment is about the same.”
Changes to the development plan include a density reduction of 22 percent, highlighted by a decrease in leasable office and retail space and the removal of the parking deck. These reductions also allow for Daniel Corporation, the company responsible for developing the site in conjunction with Evson, Inc., to perform construction in multiple phases.
On Aug. 26, the Mountain Brook City Council approved these changes to the original Planned Unit Development (PUD).
The first phase consists of constructing the residential areas of the site. Currently underway, 276 apartment units are being built on one-third of the site’s nearly 28 acres.
Scheduled next is the “Inn” phase, during which the 100-room Grand Bohemian Hotel will be constructed. Henry anticipated work on the hotel would begin this month.
By the end of the year, the project’s “Grocery” phase is expected to be underway. Currently, Western Supermarket is in lease negotiations to occupy the planned space, which the company reports to be approximately 25 percent larger than the space it occupies in Mountain Brook Village.
“At this time we do not have a signed lease,” said Darwin Metcalf with Western Supermarket’s corporate office. “We are very close to finalizing, and we hope to sign in the coming days.”
The final phase of construction will be the “Retail/Commercial” section. This area is arranged at the bottom of the list to prepare for two eventual outcomes – each reliant on a decision by Rite Aid Pharmacy.
Henry said the redrafted PUD includes preparation for the possibility that Rite-Aid, currently located in Mountain Brook Plaza, might elect to retain its lease in its existing space, which expires in 2019. If the company chooses to do so, Daniel Corporation is prepared to execute the other development phases and would finish commercial development when it can remove the existing Plaza.
“By creating this interim plan, the owners and developers will provide an opportunity for this retailer to continue to operate, as well as other retailers who can choose to stay in the interim location subject to certain conditions,” read the Council minutes from the Aug. 26 meeting.
According to the council, if the interim phase were necessary, it would encompass 35,000 square feet. The area would house three existing retailers as well as Regions Bank, Treadwell Barbers, and a post office.
Overall, the City Council was receptive to the revised PUD, though they did have several questions related to planned roadwork around the site and the development of Jemison Park.
“First of all, we’re pleased with the additional green space – very pleased,” Council President Virginia Smith said. “You know that’s been important to me all along.”