In the News... Stadium Square apartment complex secures design panel approval

An apartment complex that is part of a major redevelopment plan for three blocks in South Baltimore got final approval from the city's design panel Wednesday, paving the way for construction to start early next year.

The complex, named Hanover Cross Street, will include 295 apartments, a 480-space parking garage and 8,000 square feet of first-floor retail space. It will be bounded by Race and Leadenhall streets, and Cross and West streets.
 
The project will be the first building to emerge from Towson-based developer Caves Valley Partners' $250 million Stadium Square development plan, adding apartments, office space and retail to the Sharp-Leadenhall neighborhood near Federal Hill. The apartment complex is being developed by Houston-based the Hanover Co.

Architects with Design Collective presented updated plans to the city's Urban Design and Architectural Review Panel Wednesday, following up on concerns the panel expressed in May. Among those concerns: a too-large garage entrance and overly "monumental" steps leading into the retail space.

Designers scaled back the steps, extended planters along the sides of the building, adjusted the brick facades' design and shrunk the garage entrance.

The city's Department of Transportation has given permission for the designers to narrow the streets around the project to allow for wider sidewalks and more substantial planters, said Matt D'Amico, principal at Design Collective.
Panelists praised the designers' presentation, which included before-and-after shots of each change made to the proposal.

"I think you responded really well to all of our comments," said panelist Richard Burns.

Their remaining concerns were minor, including the placement of canopies at corner building entrances and the size of signage, and did not hinder approval of the project. The city planning department will give final approval of the construction plans.

http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/blog/real-estate/2015/07/south-baltimore-apartment-complex-secures-design.html