Despite concerns over placement of handicapped parking, and spots for other motorists, plans for Pleasant Beach Resort were approved last week by the city’s Design Review Board.
The city received the plan for the project on the southwest corner of Pitts Path Lane and Woodson Lane in November. The 15-room inn — which will include a main lodge and seven guest cottages — sits adjacent to the pool currently under construction for the Pleasant Beach Village area.
During the review process, DRB members expressed worry over the location of a handicap parking stall located far from the resort’s main lodge.
One member called it “unreasonable” to have the stall so far away from the check-in desk. Prior drawings had shown the ADA stall closer to the main lodge.
Architect Charles Wenzlau fielded questions about the project, and said he didn’t want to revisit topics that been hashed out in the past.
Wenzlau said he “didn’t want to rewind” to the board’s last meeting regarding site plans that included unfavorable comments regarding the placement of the ADA stall. He noted that his firm, Wenzlau Architects, would not do anything that isn’t considered proper under city regulations.
Still, Wenzlau said he would take the suggestions “into consideration” regarding moving it closer to the main lodge.
“We always address the accessibility aspects of the project early on. That said, accessibility can be solved in multiple ways and is more complicated when a project is built on a hillside like ours,” Wenzlau said after the meeting.
“As with the earlier phases, we intend to be sure there is full compliance with the codes. I will take their comment into consideration as we finalize the site design,” he added.
The resort will have eight buildings, including a main lodge with four upstairs rooms and two downstairs. The main lodge will also not have an elevator for those who will be staying upstairs.
Board member Jim McNett said he thought it was “kind of Third Worldly” not to have an elevator for guests to use, requiring them to lug suitcases up the stairs.
Wenzlau said cost was the main reason the elevator is not a part of the plans.
As often is an issue with island construction projects, board members pointed out possible issues with parking availability for the inn as stalls will be shared public parking for those visiting Pleasant Beach Village.
The architect said only one spot will be available per room, even though some cottages include two bedrooms. Thirteen parking stalls can be used along Pitts Path Lane, plus two more spaces, including a handicap parking stall, will be in the Manor House parking lot.
The parking in front of the resort will be first-come, first-serve and is not assigned.
Despite several design concerns, those in attendance commended Wenzlau on landscaping choices, including the repurposing of topsoil removed from the site. Board members also praised the architect’s choice of plants — including vine maple, Japanese cedar, witch hazel and others – that will dot the property.
Wrapping up the meeting, Wenzlau provided some samples of color schemes for around the property before the board approved the resort plans.
“It’s a handsomely designed project,” said Alan Grainger, a DRB member. “We feel it is keeping with the Lynwood Center historic character.”
Wenzlau said later that the goal has been to create a neighborhood that seems like it has “grown organically over time” in its location.
“The resort enjoys a central spot in the neighborhood, close to the new pool, and the retail buildings,” he said. “The design is meant to be pedestrian-oriented, which is why we chose to locate the parking along the street. This allows the garden to be the central focus, not a parking lot.”
Developers hope to start construction this summer and expect the resort to open in spring 2016.
