NEWS

Newark council nixes changes to shopping center plans

Melissa Nann Burke
The News Journal
  • Council voted 4-2 to reject proposed changes to Newark Shopping Center project
  • Developer of apartment building wanted to change the building%27s facade from original design
  • Council urged firm to meet with design committee of the Downtown Newark Partnership

NEWARK – In a 4-2 vote, City Council on Monday rejected a developer's request to modify architectural plans for a six-story residence with 220 apartments as part of the redevelopment of the Newark Shopping Center.

The majority had concerns about the quality and materials of the new facade, while others saw the changes as merely cosmetic.

"We have had experiences in the past where things were not up to what we expected," said Councilman Stu Markham, whose district includes the shopping center.

He suggested the developer take its revisions before the design committee of the Downtown Newark Partnership, and return to council in two weeks.

The changes related to window proportions, facade materials and composition. The new proposal spruces up the design, adds architectural detail, and would cost more than the original, "plain" facade, said attorney Richard A. Forsten, representing Bainbridge Companies. The new rendering also would correct the location of the building to match its footprint in the subdivision plans.

"We think this is a better product, for a better project, and a better facade, or we wouldn't be here," Forsten said.

The architectural renderings presented to council last year were conceptual and subject to change, Forsten noted. He suggested a delay could affect Bainbridge's plans for the site. "Time is money. We're supposed to close on this this week," Forsten said.

Headquartered in Wellington, Florida, and Bethesda, Maryland, Bainbridge is a developer and manager of luxury apartment communities, according to its website.

City Council voted 4-3 in April 2013 to allow the planned redevelopment of the shopping center, including the 250,700-square-foot apartment building. Some council members objected due to traffic and housing density concerns.

Atlantic Realty Cos. Inc. said at the time it expected to invest $10 million into the 60-year-old commercial center and resell the residential portion to another operator. Renovation of the commercial space is contingent on the residential business, Atlantic Realty President David A. Ross told council last year.

At nearly 16 acres, the shopping center at 230 E. Main St. has seen seven owners since 1986 and struggled with commercial vacancies.

The apartment building would be built on the site of the shuttered Brunswick Blue Hen Lanes, and would open to tenants in April 2016, Forsten said. Plans include a 455-space garage for residents, and amenities such as a fitness center and common rooms. Rent would be $1,800 a month for two-bedroom units, according to Bainbridge.

Councilman Mark Morehead recused himself from Monday's vote. Councilmen Rob Gifford and Todd Ruckle – who were not in office when council first considered the project – voted to approve the changes.

"This is an emotional project, just because on the same night on April 22, 2013, a project was before us, and I think it is relative to this conversation tonight, because it was also presented as a specific design amenity for young professionals," Councilman Luke Chapman said.

"It quickly changed to open, blatant marketing to college students with amenities including flip cup and beer pong on the patio."

Chapman was referring to council's approval last year for a 169-unit project called Cottages at the Plaza, which was subsequently sold, renamed The Retreat at Newark, and marketed to University of Delaware students. The Retreat, located at Suburban Plaza, is scheduled to open next month in time for the new school year.

Contact Melissa Nann Burke at (302) 324-2329, mburke@delawareonline.com or on Twitter @nannburke.