Within two days of Birmingham approving its Triangle District, a developer resubmitted plans to take advantage of the city's new zoning rules. Plans for the $25-million development, The Regency at Elm, allow for an increase to four stories and 100 condos.
"We've been on the sidelines waiting for this zoning to be approved," says Ronald Hughes, president of Bingham Farms-based Hughes Properties, which is behind the project. "That has really enabled us to go forward with this plan because the former zoning wouldn't let us build to this height."
The Triangle District is a master plan for development in an area just east of downtown bordered by Woodward Avenue, Adams Road and Maple Road. The area, which is in the shape of a triangle, is experiencing development pressure, yet has lacked a clear vision and framework for growth.
The new master plan is expected to spur development on surface parking lots and underutilized properties, which dominate the landscape, to create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use district similar to downtown. City planners and local residents have been working on the district since early this year.
The new master plan is available on the city's website. For information, call (248) 644-3869.
Source: Jana Ecker, planning director for the city of Birmingham and Ronald Hughes, president of Bingham Farms-based Hughes Properties
Writer: Jon Zemke
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