Cut the height of $20M Lake Norman condo building in half, board tells developer
The Cornelius Planning Board Monday night recommended approval of a couple’s rezoning request for a six-story, $20 million mixed-use condo building — if they cut the number of stories in half.
That’s a big “if,” as developer Adam Jones earlier told the board that six stories makes the Cashmere Condominiums project economically viable for him and his wife, Iryna.
Jones didn’t tell the board if he’d pull the project if approved for only three stories, which is the limit under the town’s land use plan. He didn’t immediately return a phone message from The Charlotte Observer.
The Planning Board is an advisory panel that makes recommendations to the Cornelius Board of Commissioners, which has final say on rezonings.
The Town Board hasn’t scheduled a date for a public hearing and a vote on the request.
The building would rise at Jetton Road Extension and Bethel Church Road and include 14 condominiums. The building also would have 2,157 square feet of commercial space on the first and second floors.
“Timeless design,” the couple said in their application for approval.
“We believe this project will serve as a landmark development, contributing to the long-term vision of Cornelius as a dynamic and thriving community,” the couple said.
“Our vision for this project aligns with the Town of Cornelius’ planning objectives by creating a pedestrian-friendly, architecturally refined and economically vibrant development that enhances the surrounding area,” the couple said.
The property would include 14 underground parking spaces and 19 outside, Adam Jones told the board Monday night.
The 78-foot-tall building would appear no higher than nearby buildings given the slope of the land, he said.
“Unlike other sites in Cornelius, the natural topography of 19725 Jetton Road allows for vertical expansion without disrupting the existing skyline or overwhelming the streetscape,” the couple said.
Developer: Building would improve blighted look of road
The building would generate $35,000 in annual tax revenues, Jones told the board Monday night.
The stretch of road has been 50% undeveloped for 26 years, appearing “more as a storage yard and trash dump than a gateway to Lake Norman,” he said.
Cashmere Condominiums “is exactly the kind of development this corridor needs,” Jones said.
Three residents spoke against the project, calling it too tall and out of character with the area. One spoke in favor, calling it “a beautiful building.”
Board members who voted against the project said six stories violates the town land use plan limit of three stories and would worsen congestion.