Schiff Properties has proposed a five-story mixed-use development for the former Shell Station at the corner of East Lane Avenue and North High Street. The plan, which calls for 50 apartment units, 157 parking spaces, and multiple retail storefronts, was presented to the zoning committee of the University Area Commission earlier this week.
The new building would be L-shaped, extending behind an existing retail strip at 2120 – 2124 North High. Schiff Properties developed and still owns that strip and plans to keep the current tenants in those spaces.
Zach Schiff of Schiff Properties said that the latest design, by Shremshock Architects, has been generally well-received by the committee. They plan to bring a revised proposal back next month with a couple of changes based on their feedback – a small amount of additional parking will be added, and the building will be redesigned so that it steps back from Pearl Alley.
Schiff also said that plans for the second floor could change. “It could be first floor retail with apartments on the second floor, or both floors could be used for retail,” he said. “We are talking to retail tenants that might be interested in two floors.”
“This will be nice, upscale living,” he added, “and the retail portion, that’s our bread and butter, so we’re hoping to get someone really great for that corner spot.”
Schiff Properties took over the project last fall after a previous proposal from Elford Development for a four-story building on just the gas station parcel was met with concerns about parking.
Renderings via Shremshock Architects.
