[mr jones]

Originally Posted by mr jones

R-4 100 East Las Olas Project Update
Heidi Davis, of Gunster Yoakley said they presented to the board over a year ago, representing a different property owner. She said that based on comments including those from the DDA, the design plans have drastically changed. She recognized everyone present today from their team: Victor Yue, Hugh Johnson, Justin Toal and Matthew Vanderwerff. Ms. Davis said there will be 290,000 square feet of office with 12,000 square feet of retail. She said the sidewalks were expanded. Ms. Davis said they are pursuing LEED certification and are aiming as high as a silver designation.

Victor Yue said the site is .88 acres. He said they’ve received comments and then went back and revised the project. He said they took out the hotel and they reduced the program of the project. He showed a picture of the 24 story tower. He said it is an all glass building which is more slender and elegant. He said there is one level of retail that wraps around. He said the service loading area is towards 2nd Avenue. He said they widened the pedestrian pathway and have created one lane. He said the garage is glass and the 12th floor is a functional area. Mr. Johnson elaborated by saying that on this level they wanted to address the needs of the Riverhouse, which is important. Mr. Johnson talked about the different views. He talked about how they wanted the streetscape to be consistent. He said they looked at the materials used in Huizenga Plaza so everything transitions. He said it will be one of the best streetscapes in the downtown.

Mr. Yue continued with the presentation. He showed the street level view. Chairman Ladd asked about the sidewalks on the three frontages and Mr. Yue explained further. Mr. Yue said the canopy used is aluminum and there are no columns and no structure. Chairman Ladd asked about the East and West elevation and Mr. Yue said the code required 5’, but they increased the setback to 8’. They discussed the landscaping. Mr. Ladd asked if the street lights around the perimeter of the building are like what is in Huizenga Plaza and Mr. Yue said yes. They talked more about the garage. Mr. O’Shea asked how many levels of parking it will be and Mr. Yue said 9 ½ levels. Chairman Ladd asked if there was anything they could do with replacing the palms on Las Olas east of the site to make the area more appealing and Ms. Davis said there are a lot of underground issues and easement issues to deal with.

Mr. Toal wanted the Board to know that they’ve remained consistent by working with the Riverhouse on parking and they are not close minded to alternatives. They’ve also met with the Museum of Art to work with them on any issues. Mr. Wren said he’d like to continue this dialogue with reference to the urban oasis concept they are doing downtown so maybe they can do something in the interim.

Mr. O’Shea asked what stage the project was in and Ms. Davis said they are going through DRC signoffs now. Chairman Ladd asked when they would be going public and Mr. Toal said they are working hard with the City and once that is done, they would publicize it. Chairman Ladd offered the DDA’s help with marketing the project. Mr. Toal said credibility is important to them and they will go public once it is approved and welcomed the DDA’s offer to help. Ms. Davis added that they’ve gone through about 30 different drafts and they want it done right. Mr. Toal thanked the team for their work.

http://www.ddaftl.org/2009%20Minutes/April.pdf