A townhome project that would create 53 units across 3.92 acres on the Downtown Southbank received conceptual approval from the Downtown Development Review Board on Aug. 14.
The board voted 7-0 to approve the design of the Trailview project on undeveloped property north of Interstate 95, east of Broadcast Place and south of Prudential Drive near the WJXT TV-4 studios at 4 Broadcast Place. Board chair Linzee Ott, CEO of Build Up Downtown, abstaining after disclosing that members of the project’s development team contribute to the nonprofit organization.
According to a DDRB staff report, the project includes four four-unit buildings, two five-unit buildings, three six-unit buildings, a boardwalk and green space. Renderings show all buildings being three stories, slightly over 39 feet in height.
Plans show a lower level with a two-car garage, front entrance, recreation room or study and foyer. The first floor contains a great room, dining room, kitchen and a covered outdoor space. The second floor contains bedrooms and bathrooms.
The unanimous vote in favor of conceptual approval came despite some criticisms of the appearance of the buildings’ garage sides, with members describing it in such terms as “a lot of monotony,” “a lot of sameness” and “almost depressing.”
Members requested the developers revise the design before returning for final approval.
The project is managed by Ryan Homes, one of three brands under Virginia-based homebuilder NVR Inc. Jacksonville-based ELM is listed as the architect.
The DDRB will later vote whether to grant final design approval.
According to plans, Reed Avenue will be extended to the site. Reed Avenue connects to Barbara Avenue, which connects to Atlantic Boulevard to the southeast.
The development will have three internal streets.
The proposed townhomes will be bordered by a Toll Brothers town home development and property owned by city utility JEA.
Toll Brothers is also developing three more town home sites in the RiversEdge development along the St. Johns River.
DDRB staff recommended conceptual approval with six conditions, including that the developer work with staff and the city Office of Resiliency to address considerations for flooding resiliency on the site.
Other conditions included working with the city to explore a connection to the RiversEdge boardwalk and to adopt district-specific design standards for outdoor furnishings, hardscaping, landscaping and other elements.
