The planned three-story, 80,000-square-foot YMCA facility in Riverside received its first approval Thursday from a City board that will continue to review its compliance with the Downtown Master Plan.
The City Office of Economic Development’s Downtown Development Review Board unanimously approved the conceptual plans, with conditions, for the facility that will replace the aging Yates Family YMCA at 221 Riverside Ave.
Announced Oct. 22 by YMCA of Florida’s First Coast, the project will cost $21 million. Depending on the progress of the fundraising campaign, construction could begin between April-September.
The board is responsible for approving projects for compliance, which includes architecture, materials and overall design review.
Several board members complimented architects and YMCA officials on how the facility will integrate with the St. Johns River.
Board member Roland Udenze, who recused himself from the vote, said that while he liked how it fit with the river, he also wanted to see a commitment to the Brooklyn neighborhood where the facility is located. Other members agreed.
Officials with the project also said that additional features could include integration with the Skyway system and creation of a splash park.
Several board members also asked that efforts be made to minimize the parking lot, located along Riverside Avenue, from looking like a parking lot. Future commercial development on Riverside Avenue could hide sightlines of the parking lot, but there is no time line for development.
The board approved the conceptual plan, which includes deviations of a setback from Riverside Avenue and a 15-foot increase above the 45-foot height limit for the building.
In other action, the board approved wayfinding signage for Baptist Medical Center.
The color-coded signage will help visitors to the Southbank medical campus more quickly find their destination and closest parking garage in what often is a time of distress, officials said.
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