TO:

DATE:
APPLICANT:

Downtown Commission Members and Applicant

April 10 2015 (meeting date)
Collier Properties, LLC

SUBJECT:

Design Review for Collier Avenue Apartments

Summary
The applicant is requesting review of site plans to construct a new building containing 48
residential units including a parking structure on a parcel located in the Central Business District
(CBD). This project is considered a Level II review pursuant to Section 7-5-9.1 of the UDO.
Proposal
Site: The project site consists of a single parcel with an area of .85 acre that has never been
developed. There is primary frontage on Collier Avenue which is not designated as a key
pedestrian street. The street will be improved to accommodate this new use.
Buildings: The developers are proposing a 37,000 square feet building, four stories tall over two
levels of parking. The parking levels along with the primary pedestrian entrance forms the base
of the building. This is a residential-only project.
Access, parking and sidewalks: Primary pedestrian access will be from Collier Avenue as was
previously stated.. Vehicles will access the parking structure via two entrances that are placed
using the natural slope of the site to access two parking levels. The parking structure will
provide a total of 61 spaces. Sidewalks will be constructed along Collier Avenue and will meet
downtown standards.
Landscaping: Street trees are required for this project for the Collier frontage. The plans show
compliance with the minimum standards with an alternative compliance request regarding
spacing for a street tree. Additional landscaping will be provided behind the sidewalk area
adjacent to the base of the building.
UDO Compliance
Fenestration and primary pedestrian entrance- This proposal complies with the CBD
standards, for both ground level and upper floors.
The ground level amount is 50% windows doors and other openings. Upper floors must meet a
20% standard and all facades meet the requirements for openings.
Base middle cap orientation- The design has a distinct base at the main entrance and made
up of of the parking level of the project. The base is designated by a change of materials. The
middle section of the building is made up of the four floors of residential units. The middle
section will use brick. The cap is delineated by a taller brick parapet wall and variation in
building height and an architectural detail at the front of the building.
These details seem to be in scale with the smaller size of this project.
Streetscape- The proposed streetscape follows the pattern established in downtown with
concrete sidewalks. The sidewalk will be scored in a downtown running bond pattern. Street
trees will be a part of this simple streetscape.
Variance Recommendation Regarding Street Wall Standards- The proposal will be seeking
a variance from street wall step back standards. A streetwall or one of a number of alternatives
is required for this project. The development is proposing create a front courtyard space by
providing a setback an area at the sidewalk. The area described by the ordinance would
normally be 10 feet deep for two-thirds of the length of the building. Due to some constraints of

the site the proposal is to provide a courtyard just over 50% of the length and 6-11 deep. Staff
is supportive of this request and feels that with the irregularly shaped lot and the lack of building
context in this area, the proposed courtyard area will provide interest to the streetscape and
building. Staff would recommend that some additional streetscape elements such as a bench or
other features be added to the site plan.
Materials
The project is proposing brick for the lower pedestrian and parking entrances level and for upper
building levels and the cap. The size of the masonry material will vary with the larger scale
being used at the lower levels of the structure. Windows will be provided and the frames will be
vinyl clad. Some metal awnings will be provided and the structural element near the top will be
metal. The project is a simple proposal and the material pallet has also been kept simple.
Design Guidelines
The proposal aligns with most aspects of the Design Guidelines: The faade provides some
variation in scale and detailing. Other detailing is provided by railings, the awning over the front
entrance and the front courtyard. The guidelines would recommend that a parking structure
along any street frontage should be covered by a habitable building and active uses will be a
part of the front space.
Other design guidelines include:
Granite curbs are encouraged for new or rehabilitated sidewalk areas
Doors should provide large areas of glass and garage openings should use a more open
material rather than solid.
Awnings are encouraged for shade and rain shelter.
Building caps should express unique character and maintain variety among downtown
buildings. The proposed metal roof feature awning will bring interest to the top of the
building.
For new buildings a change in the faade may mimic traditional widths at intervals of
between 50 and 100 feet by adding architectural details and providing height variations.
A setback for 50% of the length of the faade is being proposed.
Brick material is a recommended material for new construction.
New sidewalks will follow the Asheville running bond pattern.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the design for the building and site as shown because the project
meets the goals of the large number of UDO requirements and the intent of the design
guidelines; the variance request for the size of the courtyard as an alternative to other stepback
options is reasonable and the alternative compliance request for tree spacing is supported.
Suggested Motion: I move to recommend approval of the Collier Avenue Apartments project
as presented based on site plans, elevations and materials submitted during this review and
support
the Variance request for the size of the courtyard as proposed
the Alternative Compliance request for street tree spacing.
(Based on the following conditions if any)