Markeshia Ricks Photo
Architect Sam Gardner points out features of the future “Metro 301.”
The developer helping to transform the former Salvation Army properties on George and Crown streets is heading to the City Plan Commission with three big endorsements.
Robert Smith of Metro Properties plans to put 78 apartments in five new buildings plus “mews” on a block that until recently housed squatters, one of whose severed torso was found there.
Gregg Weis & Gardner Architects
Aerial view of the plan.
Smith submitted his proposed plan for the 37,750 square-foot, .86- project he calls “Metro 301,” which starts mid-block on Crown Street and flows down to George between College and High, last month and it will be up to the members of the Board of Zoning Appeals to decide whether he can get a special exception for a planned development unit, or PDU, in a central business (BD) district. The BZA heard the proposed plans, which you can read more about here, and referred the matter to the City Plan Commission.
Smith wants relief to build taller and denser than what is allowed under current zoning rules.He won the support of fellow developer Carter Winstanley, the chair of the Preservation Committee of the New Haven Preservation Trust and even city Zoning Deputy Director Tom Talbot.
“The proposed application represents an exceptional example of how urban space can be developed in such a manner as to not merely incorporate structural elements of the past, present and future in a development proposal, but to do so in a way that crated a space that is functional, attractive and which significantly realizes the possibilities of the urban residential experience,” Talbot wrote in his findings and recommendations.
“The manner in which the project is not only respectful of existing structures but which goes to considerable effort to maintain a public view of the structures should also be noted. It’s open space plan (and the system of pedestrian circulation to which it closely relates) are exceptional both in terms of size and quality and proof of the idea that appreciable levels of open space are possible even with projects of fairly dense development.”
Smith (pictured at right in the photo) has committed more than $1 million into the historic rehabilitation of the existing Chapel Building. He also has committed to making sure that the renovation is done to standards set by the secretary of interior’s “Guidelines for Historic Rehabilitation.” The Chapel Building and a second building, the former “Home for Aged Women” are both part of the the Chapel Street National Historic District. Smith proposes to tear down the women’s home, which had become the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center, and build a “complementary four-story addition to the Chapel Building.”
“The existing properties, known as the ‘Salvation Army’ site, is of particular interest to the New Haven Preservation Trust in that it incorporates two historic structures which are remnants of a former home for indigent women, originally part of the Trinity Church on New Haven’s Green,” architect Robert Grzywacz, chair of the preservation committee of the Trust, wrote in his letter of support for the Metro 301 project “Metro Star Properties has engaged with our staff and committee from the inception of their plans to purchase and re-develop the George/Crown Street properties.”
Gregg Weis & Gardner Architects
View from George Street, with the chapel set back in the middle.
Grzywacz wrote in the letter that the developer had provided tours of both the Chapel and the former indigent home; presented their plans to the preservation committee ; and ad several follow-up meetings with committee members.
“The process by which NHPT and Metro Star has worked collaboratively to forge a solution is exemplary and serves as an ideal example of a private developer working cooperatively with an organization empowered to serve the public trust,” Gryzwacz further wrote. “We truly appreciate Metro Star’s inclusive approach and look forward to discussing further with them the particulars of the preservation aspects of their project and of the components of the new buildings that can make them relate well to the overall historic context of a finished project which has the potential to greatly enhance New Haven’s ongoing downtown revitalization.”
Cater Winstanley also added his support to the growing chorus in the form of a letter to the members of the BZA. “Winstanley Enterprises has worked in New Haven for the past 17 years to create high quality jobs in both the technology and bioscience industries,” he wrote. This board has been instrumental in supporting both 100 College and 300 George Street projects, now home to Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Kotlan Pharmaceuticals, MelintaTherapeutics, Achillion Pharmaceuticals and L‑Squared, to name a few. As these and other companies grow within the city, quality housing projects within walking distance will be essential components of expanding New Haven’s population and economic base.”
Ugly, too tall boxes and not enough affordable housing. I wouldn't buy a used car from any of these guys.