Proposed Northriver Commons Would Bring Upscale Apartments, New Restaurants & More

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A new mixed-use development is being considered by the City of Tuscaloosa for north of the Black Warrior River, which would meld a community-oriented apartment complex with numerous restaurants just off of New Watermelon Road.

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Northriver Commons would sit on 4.7 acres at 1750 Commons N Loop — in the lot south of Jalapeños Mexican Grill and Alabama Credit Union. It is also planned to feature 225 apartment units, in addition to 17,000 square feet of retail space that is intended for numerous restaurants.

Spaces Management CEO and owner Andy Turner was on hand to field questions Monday during the City of Tuscaloosa's Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals meeting.

The meeting ultimately saw the advisory board approve an exception to the city's on-street parking regulations, following debate over the potential need for one dedicated parking space for each bedroom unit. Plans for Northriver Commons call for a parking deck with more than 400 nine-foot parking spaces, 51 of which would be reserved for the public.

In total, the property will have 427 parking spaces — falling short of the statutorily-required 495.

The project itself, however, received overwhelming vocal support for its concept, as Spaces Management aims to address several needs at once.

In terms of the commercial component of the property, Turner explained he has already been in conversations with restaurants like Birmingham-based Slim's Pizzeria; a tapas concept by Jheovanny Gomez; an unnamed, but familiar American pub that serves burgers and a breakfast restaurant group.

“The focus is on creating a high quality community landing spot in this area, because right now that’s where the one of the big things where the area is underserved is having quality food options and a nice place to gather," Turner said.

To address parking, Turner said the development would be adequately staffed, especially with respect to its parking deck. He went on to say the first level will be dedicated to free, open parking for the public, while a gate will separate the area for private parking for apartment residents.

The project, if approved by the full City Council, will also feature a "village green" common area that will include a stage and large television screen, which could be used for events, football games and other community-oriented activities.

"We wanted to create a property that really adds something to the community in this area," Turner said.

The Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals approved the special exception for on-street parking regulations for the project, which has also received a favorable recommendation from the city's Planning and Zoning Commission and will now head to the full Council for consideration.

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