Changes in store for former lumberyard property on S. 3rd Street

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter – News Analyst

The Historic District Council (HDC) of the city of Fernandina Beach gave conceptual approval to a plan to add 22 townhouse dwellings with garages to property located at 117 S. 2^nd Street, once home to Fernandina Lumber. The applicant must address a series of concerns raised by city staff, HDC members and the public before final approval can be granted, however.

Before granting conceptual approval to the design the HDC approved three associated variance requests for landscaping, buffer and accessory setbacks. Because the dwellings are being built on the underlying lots of record (25’x100’), the Asa Gillette, the applicant’s agent argued that the setbacks set out in code would significantly reduce an already small buildable area. The requirement to plant canopy trees in the long run would undermine the underground stormwater capture system required by code for the development. And the accessory setback was requested in order to align each garage with the dwelling it supported.

After considerable discussion, the HDC agreed that the arguments in support of the variances allowed them to conclude that the cases were substantially compliant with the Land Development Code, the Downtown Historic District Guidelines, and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards to warrant approval. They were approved on a 5-0 vote.

In considering the design of the new development, staff and HDC members raised concerns over landscaping. Gillette, developer Morgan Brown of Artisan Homes and designer Darryl Patterson of Housing Design Matters explained that they would plant as many canopy trees as possible, but most of the trees would be characterized as understory trees—for example, crape myrtle. Everyone agreed that the addition of any trees would be an improvement to the current barren lot.

The applicant’s agents agreed that they would not use vinyl for shutters or fences. The parapet wall atop each structure serves as a fence to protect roof top visitors. But the HDC and the public reminded the designer of the 35 foot height limit in this area and insisted that all mechanicals and HVAC be hidden from sight, whether on the roof or on the ground.

HDC members asked that in the final plan, the applicant make more effort to vary the facades of the buildings, perhaps stepping several back to create more of a front yard and less of a back yard. They suggested different colors of brick to avoid a monolithic look to the project that suggests an institution rather than a home.

Another concern was a desire to soften the side views of buildings that are visible from the street with additional windows or design elements.

Each dwelling unit will have a 2-car garage, either incorporated in the main structure or as an accessory unit. The accessory garages will have an empty room above the garage that will be plumbed but not fitted out with a kitchen.

The applicant appeared amenable to suggestions proffered in the staff report and during the meeting. The developer indicated that they would bring back the enhanced plans for final approval, hopefully by the next submittal date.