A proposal to build a 39-story apartment building, replacing the Barnes & Noble bookstore, has been abruptly withdrawn. The architecture firm Solomon Cordwell Buenz, proposed the development which would have contained 368 rental units, a rooftop deck with pool, and 19,000 sq. ft. of commercial space.
A public meeting was held on April 11th in which neighbors voiced concerns that the structure was too tall, did not blend into neighborhood well, would block views and create parking complications.
Brian Hopkins, 2nd Ward Alderman, appears to agree with these concerns and has officially nixed the project. Another proposal made by Newcastle, slated for the northwest corner of State and Division is currently under review.
Their proposal is for an 11-story apartment building to replace the current smaller structures. Hopkins has commented that this proposal seems to have “stronger community support” than the other did, but no final decision has been made.