By Eric Curl
Sept. 15, 2022 update – The height and mass of the proposed parking garage at 11 Jefferson St., now proposed to be four stories and automated, was approved, with conditions, by the Historic District Board of Review on Sept. 15.
The building will now use an automated car elevator system that extends 18 feet underground, where two levels of cars can be accommodated, according to the staff report. The portion of the building above ground is 4-stories but allows for six levels of cars due to the automated system. The first floor consists of shell space intended for retail and restaurant use, and vehicular entrances on the lane.
The approval requires engineering reports and proactive measures to ensure construction does not impact the integrity of the surrounding buildings. The design details of the building will next have to be approved for the project to move forward.
June 30, 2022 – A parking garage will replace a parking lot with retail on the ground level under a plan expected to go before the Historic District Review Board in July.
The 5-story garage is proposed to be built on the lot between the Hilton Garden Inn (next to Club One) and City Market (Vinnie Van GoGo’s side) with Jefferson and Montgomery on the east and west sides.
While zoning limits construction to 4 stories in the location, there is an option for the additional floor by incorporating “active” ground floor uses. In this case retail and restaurant tenants are expected to operate there.
