Way back in July, we told you about a proposed project on the northwest corner of 17th and South Sts., currently an overgrown vacant lot. If you’re ever on South Street West and pay a little bit of attention, you’ve almost definitely noticed that 1701 South St. looks more or less the way it did last summer. Still vacant, still overgrown, no new building.

Vacant indeed

Slightly different angle

Last night, developer Eugene Bukh, of PP Development, presented plans for this site to CCRA for the third time. Some changes have been made since the project was originally presented, including adding a ninth unit, changing the concept from condos to rentals, and creating a setback on the northern side to reduce the impact on neighbors to the north. Design for this building was done by Harman Deutsch.

Rendering of the South Street side

Elevations of the 17th St. side and the rear of the building

At the meeting, one neighbor spoke up in protest, saying that the density was too high, that the building was too tall, and that parking would be a problem. With regard to the height and density, the developer is in a bit of a catch-22. By right, the developer can build five separate commercial spaces, each with two apartments above, equalling ten apartments all together. South Street West Business Association and others in the area prefer a larger commercial space, which would ideally attract a more desirable tenant. Combining the lots (which can be done by right) would allow for the larger commercial space, but would only allow two residential units by right. So the developer is caught between trying to please two different groups with very different priorities.

Will CCRA support the project as SSWBA has? Will neighbors show up in opposition at the ZBA? Will the developers reduce the height or the density? Stay tuned, the ZBA hearing is coming up next month.