Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutproject proposal14111 1417, 1421, 1501 South Park between Daisy Lee Gatson Bates Drive and West 16`" Street Little Rock, Arkansas An Q ice /Residential Development Overall Site Rationale A Supplemental Document to the Application for Land Use Amendment November 16, 2005 Included in the application is a site plan, indicating the complete layout of the properties affected by this application. For the land use amendment application, the three (3) vacant lots on South Schiller Street are not included. In recognition of the historical significance of this location, we plan to develop the overall site in a manner consistent with the standards of the National Park Service, including their Cultural Landscape Report (currently being prepared); the planned components of a soon to be submitted Design Overlay District for this neighborhood; and the requirements of the existing codes of the City of Little Rock. We recognize that the overall site has several major components that should be immediately addressed by this development plan; however, we have opted to phase our plan in a manner that shall cause the least disruption to the right-of-way as well as to the quiet fabric of the neighborhood. Concerning the right-of-way on South Park Avenue, it is our intent in this application to replace the existing sidewalk with a new concrete sidewalk from the north edge of 1411 South Park to the south edge of Ponder's Drugstore. This shall include the north portion of Ponder's Drugstore as well as the south portion of Bullock Temple CME Church. Along the route of the new sidewalk, the applicant intends to embed (flush to the sidewalk surface) metal plaques at points of historic significance. Along that same route, we intend to restore the existing stone curbs to their original height above the street level. The landscaped strip along the same route shall be upgraded utilizing a consistent plant type. Our intent is to also work with the City of Little Rock's Urban Forester to evaluate the condition of the large trunk tree stock along the ROW towards developing solutions to upgrade and enhance them for beautification purposes. The applicant shall endeavor to upgrade the driveway aprons to all of the properties, and to reconstruct the driveways to the applicant properties in a manner consistent with the period of historical significance. The front and side yards to the applicant properties shall be upgraded with concealed irrigation systems, new walkways and steps, appropriate shrubs / plant material, and a consistent grass type. 1411, 1417, 1421, 1501 South Park between Daisy Lee Gatson Bates Drive and West 16`" Street Little Rock, Arkansas An Office /Residential Develanment ARM A Supplemental Document to the Application of Land Use Amendment November 16, 2005 Each of the applicant properties shall be handicap accessible from the rear entrances. No ramps, handrails, or other means for accessibility shall be visible from South Park Avenue. The applicant shall consult with the City of Little Rock's Traffic department in regards to vehicular signage location and types to best arrive at a design sensitive arrangement of signage relating to the applicant properties (i.e. DO NOT BLOCK DRIVE) as well as the full length of the frontage street. Each of the applicant properties shall have hard surfaced off-street parking lots in the rear yards, with the actual parking slots receiving a pervious surface for direct drainage. The side yards shall receive new six (6) foot tall wood plank fencing with the finish face to the outboard side. The first phase of the site development shall not have an impact on the unique overlapped boundaries — to be addressed in a future phase. The applicant strongly believes that the implementation of this first phase of development, (as it relates to the overall site), shall greatly enhance / upgrade the overall appearance of this location, creating a more pleasant walk -friendly environment for neighborhood residents, visitors, and tourists. Our specific use of the applicant properties (see attached) is planned to be non -obtrusive to the current residential fabric of the overall neighborhood, as we have committed to the restoration of the now vacant properties in a residential manner, consistent with the period of historical significance. They are not to be retail / commercial shops or stores spattered with neon signage and cluttered with a constant flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Respectfully, we consider the east frontage along the Central High School National Historic Site to be unique and special. It could be said that this two (2) -block stretch is the second most popular tourist destination in the City of Little Rock. As such, we believe that an upgrade to the current land use designation of the applicant's properties (as well as the remaining properties) is quite appropriate given the need to allow flexibility in providing unique, well-planned, and special venues for the benefit of the visitors / tourists to the historic site - as well as to the neighborhood residents. In that regard, we propose that the most appropriate land use category for this application be designated as transition. ®, 14171 1421, 1501 South Park between Daisy Lee Gatson Bates Drive and West 16`h Street Little Rock, Arkansas An Office /Residential Development ■ A Supplemental Document to the Application for Land Use Amendment November 16, 2005 The existing one story wood framed residential structure (1,343 square feet) is proposed under the rezoning application for a dual permitted use. Currently, the house is zoned R3 (Residential) which would be one of the permitted uses of the structure under this application. The other permitted use shall be a gallery (0-1 Quiet Office), in which the house shall be completely renovated to provide adequate wall space for the display of various art mediums (prints, paintings, photographs, video screens, and other wall -hung items) in a well -lit and easily circulated space. The displayed items will not be for sale as the theme of the gallery is to educate and inform the visitor on current world, national, or local issues. The gallery shall provide written literature, including brochures, post cards, and artist bios / program books for distribution to the visitors. No food or beverage will be sold or allowed within the premises. There shall not be a formal kitchen, however the house shall have the flexibility to convert to a residential kitchen and bathroom, as needed. The anticipated opening hours shall be Tuesday — Sunday from 11 am until 6pm, year round, with time and date allowance for national holidays. Occasionally, there will be opening receptions for new work being presented for display. The opening hours, in this case would be extended for evening hours (6pm — 9pm). There shall not be external displays / banners relating to the gallery's presentations. The applicant believes that the promotion of the gallery's location would be most appropriate through brochures and other mediums as available to the public and tourist related agencies. The house shall be handicap accessible from the rear and a handicap accessible public toilet shall be constructed in the interior space. The exterior of the house shall be restored to a period of historical significance, including, but not limited to a new roof finish, wall siding, trim, windows, and doors. The applicant does not plan any additional rooms or changes to the current footprint of the existing structure. The interior of the house shall be renovated to meet the current building codes of the City of Little Rock for public use, as a minimum standard. The house shall be fully air-conditioned and heated utilizing energy efficient components. The applicant strongly believes that the use of the house as a gallery, whose message intends to be an educational theme, would greatly enhance the prominence of this historic street relative to increased tourism and a commonality with world issues. Retaining the house in its residential appearance lends to the concerns of the neighborhood and the National Park Service towards maintaining the character of this segment of the street in a manner that is not obtrusive and disrespectful to the national historic site. 1411, , 14211 1501 South Park between Daisy Lee Gatson Bates Drive and West 16`h Street Little Rock, Arkansas An Office /Residential Development A "think tank"' A Supplemental Document to the Application for Land Use Amendment November 16, 2005 The existing one story wood framed residential structure (1,986 square feet) is proposed under th3 rezoning application for a dual permitted use. Currently, the house is zoned R3 (Residential) which would be one of the permitted uses of the structure under this application. The other permitted use shall be a research office (0-1 Quiet Office), in which the house shall be completely renovated to provide adequate office space and support facilities (toilets, copy / fax, computer server room, etc.) for research assistants, interns, and clerical staff. The house shall be a "think tank" in a sense, with the ability to conduct in-house discussions while linking global communication networks through distant educational labs - all on the primary subject of education. The applicant strongly believes that the subject of education must be given a high priority towards addressing some of the pressing ills of our current society. This venue shall be an important link to the world, as well as to develop joint programs with Little Rock Central High School and other institutions, whereby students, faculty, and staff can participate and advance their knowledge through their collaboration with skilled professionals. The anticipated opening hours shall be Monday — Friday, 8am to 5pm, year round, with the normal allowance for national holidays. It is not intended that the house have a large public space (seminar room or meeting room) for programs or seminars. The space is intended to be strictly for private office use, with a few computer stations for distant educational purposes. The front living room would be used as a receptionist counter and waiting room, whereas the individual rooms shall be private office spaces. The house would have a handicap accessible toilet as well as a break room. No formal kitchen is planned, however there shall be flexibility to convert the toilets and kitchen for residential use, as needed. The applicant believes that the presence of this research venue is best promoted by the results of the authoritative work that is developed out of this space. The overall exterior of the house shall not change in footprint or profile, and shall be fully restored to a period of historical significance. The interior of the house shall maintain the same basic layout utilizing residential finishes on all surfaces. Both the interior and exterior shall be restored / renovated to meet the requirements of the current building codes for the City of Little Rock. The applicant strongly believes that the use of this house as a private office will bring new life and vitality to the neighborhood structure. It could be said that the personnel assigned to this office might be more effective in their research within a residential environment which could also lead to a desire to actually live in the same neighborhood as they work. The planned office could be an important educational lab resource at the footsteps to this national historic site. 1411, 1417, ffM 1501 South Park between Daisy Lee Gatson Bates Drive and West 16`h Street Little Rock, Arkansas An ice /Residential Develo went • • . •' • A Supplemental Document to the Application for Land Use Amendment November 16, 2005 The existing two story wood framed residential structure (2,630 square feet) is proposed under the rezoning application for a dual permitted use. Currently, the house is zoned R4 (Residential) which would be one of the permitted uses of the structure under this application. The other permitted use shall be 0-1 (Quiet Office), in which the house shall be completely renovated to provide adequate space for cultural interaction and learning. The house shall act primarily as a gathering place for neighborhood residents of all age groups. The applicant envisions this historic home to be where one can stop by for a cup of freshly brewed tea / coffee, read a book from the applicant's vast collection, as stacked on the perimeter walls, and maybe just to sit and listen to a dramatic African storytelling session or witness a craftsperson at work. The house shall be a "welcome house" to the residents, fostering good communication, sharing ideas and stories, and participating in well-planned, but small-scale cultural and craft -related events. The house would also welcome visitors from the historic site so that they can experience how local people interact with one another in a positive and culturally rich manner. Currently, this house is probably the most "stately" house on the block, located on a direct axis to the entry doors to Central High School. The overall character is well defined in the layout as well as the well-preserved architectural woodwork in all of the rooms. The applicant intends on restoring the interior and exterior to a period of historical significance, including the fitting out of all of the rooms with period furniture, artwork, and accessories. Again, exterior signage is not intended as the news of the success of the activities shall be sufficient for one to locate the well maintained family house of the applicant. The house shall have a full-time caretaker who shall manage the daily activities and establish the full slate of programs for the benefit of the neighborhood residents and guests. The house shall be open daily from 8am — 6pm. Additional hours shall be provided, for special programs and meetings. There is not an intent to have a fully functional kitchen, however the initial work on the house shall provide the flexibility for future conversion of the kitchen to a residential kitchen. A public, handicap accessible toilet shall be provided on the ground floor, with accessibility from the rear of the house. The applicant strongly believes that the use of this house as a meeting place would provide to the citizens a unique and alternative venue for the much needed interaction between residents and visitors to the neighborhood. 1411, 1417, 1421, South Park between Daisy Lee Gatson Bates Drive and West I6`h Street Little Rock, Arkansas An "ce /Residential Development • • A Supplemental Document to the Application for Land Use Amendment November 16, 2005 The existing two story wood framed residential structure (2,427 square feet) is herein proposed under the rezoning application as a bed and breakfast or time-shared facility, with four (4) distinct units for guests, and one unit for the caretaker. Currently, the house is a duplex, zoned R3 (Residential), however the applicant would like to have the property rezoned to 0-1 (Quiet Office), to facilitate the overall intent to provide a quiet and well-designed rooming / boarding space for heritage tourism needs. The applicant strongly believes that this house would provide a unique and memorable venue for visitors who wish to spend a night across from the historic landmark site. The applicant further believes that the overall neighborhood should be developed not only to attract short and spontaneous drive-by visits, but as well to provide overnight living accommodations for visiting scholars, interns, and others who would otherwise have to travel several miles for similar accommodations. The restored bed and breakfast would essentially act as a support facility for the needs of visitors to the gallery, the research office, the welcome house, and the new visitor's center at the historic site. The existing one story garage and former living quarters in the rear of the house shall be converted into the full-time caretaker's residence, including a kitchen to serve the needs of the guests. The bed and breakfast would be open year round and will be linked to an online reservation system. The applicant believes that through the use of travel brochures, website linkage, and the online reservation system, the knowledge of the facility's existence would be sufficiently clear. The hours of operation shall be by appointment. No walk-on guests would be accommodated, however when vacant, the units can be inspected by potential guests and tourists. A small public toilet would be provided in the caretaker's residence, which shall also include a copy / fax center and exercise room for guest needs. The interior decor shall be strikingly rich and symbolic of a traditional historic period. Artwork, furniture, and accessories would add to the rich character of the units. Each unit shall be fitted out as a wireless environment to accommodate the internet and telecommunication needs of the most technically inclined guest. The applicant strongly believes that the use of this house as a bed and breakfast or time- shared facility will be a uniquely diverse addition to the neighborhood.