More details revealed about large mixed-use development in downtown Macon

Another portion of Phase I of a proposed large downtown development is expected to be discussed Monday at Macon’s zoning meeting.

The Macon-Bibb County Planning & Zoning Commission plans to consider a conditional-use application for 743, 753 Plum St. and 552, 586 D.T. Walton Sr. Way to allow a mixed-use development with residential lofts, retail space and a parking garage as part of the project known as Central City Commons. There also is a certificate of appropriateness on the agenda for the same project.

A Hyatt Place hotel and parking deck at 630-678 Poplar St. that’s part of the same phase was approved by the commission at its June 12 meeting. This portion “will be constructed simultaneously with the first hotel,” said Tim Thornton, president of Thornton Realty Co, who formed a joint venture for the project with Miller Heath III, CEO of MMI Capital LLC.

Plans call for the construction of a mixed-use building with 87 residential lofts and about 12-16 commercial spaces, according to the commission’s staff report. A bank is expected to have a drive-thru lane off Plum Street.

The six-level parking deck would have 427 spaces and the top level will be covered with a canopy of solar panels. The deck would serve the residents of the units, on-site commercial businesses and county employees during the day, the City Auditorium and other special events parking and other public parking as space permits. The parking deck would be owned by the Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority.

The properties have frontage along the south side of D.T. Walton Senior Way and the northeast side of Plum Street, which are in a central business zoning district.

The multifamily units will be accessed from an interior courtyard located between the parking deck and the mixed-use building.

The total square footage of construction is 247,000 square feet

“The proposed use will increase the population density of the area, but it should not result in the overtaxing of public facilities,” the staff report said. “The proposed use should not adversely affect the property values in adjacent areas.”

Construction is proposed to begin in August with completion in fall 2018.

Phase II of the development would include renovation of the Crescent Building as well as additional multifamily spaces, retail and a boutique hotel, according to a statement presented to the commission by the developers.

The meeting begins at 1:30 p.m. and will be held in the 10th floor conference room, Willie C. Hill Government Center Annex, 682 Cherry St.

Other items on the agenda are:

CONDITIONAL USES:

1474 Riverside Drive: Conditional use to allow car wash and auto detailing at an existing structure, C-2 District. Curlee Cayton; Lyke NU Professional Auto, applicant.

4590 Columbus Road: Conditional use to allow professional offices in an existing building, PDE District. Meni Levi, applicant.

3353 Mercer University Drive: Conditional use to allow a Plasma Donation Center, PDE District. Flagship Group Inc., Gordy Germany, applicant.

3001 Vineville Ave. (A/K/A 3005 Vineville Ave.): Conditional use to allow a church in an existing building, C-2 District. Carlos Smith, applicant.

5441 Bowman Road: Conditional use to allow a restaurant with drive-thru, PDE District. Terry Phelps, applicant.

VARIANCES:

5019 Riverside Drive: Variance to allow a billboard sign within the 35’ building setback, C-2 District. Principle Outdoor LLC, Charlie Gardner, applicant.

241 Shoreline Way: Variance in setback requirements to allow a single-family dwelling, PDR District. Three Oaks Construction and Development Inc., applicant.

3672 Jones Road: Variance in required distance between an accessory structure and a dwelling, R-1AAA District. Lynda Leverette, applicant.

VIOLATIONS:

6050 Bethel Church Road: In violation of The Comprehensive Land Development Resolution and previous judicial decision for operation of an inert landfill, equipment repair, equipment storage, a demolition business, salvage yard, waste container (roll-off/construction dumpster) storage or business, trucking company and other activity related to those uses. Zoned A, Agriculture. Jeff Surles.

This story was originally published June 23, 2017 at 9:20 PM with the headline "More details revealed about large mixed-use development in downtown Macon."