Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
August 2, 2018
There may soon be even more opportunities to live downtown Fernandina Beach. At their August 1, 2018 Special Meeting, the city’s Historic District Council (HDC) gave final approval to plans to convert the former First Baptist Church education building at 19 N. 5thStreet into nine condominiums. The building is considered non-contributing to the downtown Historic District since it dates to 1963.
The changes that the applicant requested included new windows, doors and entry way as well as the addition of balconies and a rooftop terrace with a greenroof system.
The HDC had previously provided conceptual approval to the project at its April 19, 2018 Regular Meeting.
In returning to the HDC for final approval Skilling Architects presented a detailed account of how they had addressed concerns raised by both the HDC and the public during their initial presentation. Points addressed included:
- Adding individual trash receptacles for each condo owner on the north side of the building in the alleyway separating the building from the Promise Land Church.This will eliminate the need for a dumpster.
- Placing 4 air handling units in that same alley way and 8 screened units at the southwest corner of the building, where the existing air cooler sits. The project’s engineer explained that the new units would operate at 45 decibels, emitting noise at the level of today’s dishwashers.
- Outdoor lighting would be minimal and would not intrude on neighbors.
- The rooftop areas accessible by condo owners would be set back from the edge of the building in an attempt to address privacy concerns of neighboring properties.The project will use transparent glass on the rooftop railings, which are stepped back from the roof. Also, the roof edges would be “scuppered,” to ensure that any debris generated stays on the property and does not drop down on neighbors.
Two neighbors expressed lingering concerns regarding noise from air handlers, trash and privacy, while expressing appreciation for Silling’s efforts to address or moderate the impacts.
In approving the project the HDC members commended the architect and planners for their extensive and complete application and review, expressing the desire that others would emulate them.
Jodie Drake, representing the project’s architectural firm, indicated that work on the project would begin as soon as building permits can be obtained.
To view complete application, click here.
What did they do about parking for the residents?
Where is the parking? Was the county owned lot purchased or will that lot continue to be open to the public? Interesting to spend more than half a million dollars and not have a personal parking space or have I missed something???
Parking is not required in the Central Business District (C-3 zoning). The county parking lot has not changed hands.
Worried about parking also with restaurants all around this area.
It will be interesting to see how the sales of these units go without having a dedicated parking space. Funny how code requires parking if the units were developed for short term usage, but not needed for permanent housing.
I drive by the building twice a week on my way to volunteer at the library. There are consistently many free parking places all around the building….on the street and in the public lot next to it.
I think it’s an interesting use of the building. I agree with JR…I would not be spending that kind of money for a place were finding a place to park when I get home from work is going to be a crap shoot but then, not my problem….