Wright Avenue Project Now Down to the Details

After learning that his revised plan for the proposed 80 Wright Avenue development would not be enough to get approved by the Historic District Commission on Wednesday night, developer Steve Kelm chose to go with another work session instead.

But several HDC members said they were very impressed with the changes that were made to the design to comply with the board's mass, height and design requirements, which could bring the project a step closer to getting approved at a future date.

"We are looking at a very different building than what we have seen previously where the mass, height and design have changed dramatically," said HDC Chairman Joseph Almeida.

But some HDC members were not completely sold on the project. "I still don't think it fits in with the historical area," said City Councilor Esther Kennedy. She also said the overall size of the building and its location would "overwhelm" other historic buildings in the State Street area.

Some HDC members expressed concerns about the design of the project's penthouse during their deliberations.

The proposed height of the building was brought down and the design was modified to blend in more with the surrounding State Street area.

Jennifer Ramsey of Somma Studios, LLC in Portsmouth, the project architect said the new design removed the fifth floor and replaced it with the proposed penthouse. She said they also removed the tower structure that was originally proposed for the corner of the building on State Street and she believes that change may have helped the project turn the corner toward possible approval in the near future.

Ramsey said that now that the discussion has shifted to several finite design details, that is usually a good sign that a project is getting closer to approval.

The conceptual drawings created by Amoskeag Architectural Group that were on file a the city Planning Department also show that the proposed development's parking lot will face the proposed Memorial Bridge Veterans park that will be built between the new Scott Avenue approach for the new bridge.

The Planning Board previously approved his site plan in March and Kelm said then that when he comes back before the HDC, he will ask the members to either vote for or against his plan.

Kelm's site plan calls for the demolition of the former Rosa's garage building and build a five-story, 9,138 building was unanimously approved. Kelm would then build a new upscale building that will house two retailers and up to 15 luxury units with some underground parking. He said previously he expects the building to be completed in 15 months and the units will range in size from 1,100 to 3,000 square feet.

The 80 Wright Avenue project could come back before the HDC when it meets in June.