An architect hopes to build a 144-room “boutique” hotel on Elizabeth Street, with 90 “millennial” apartments, shops, a penthouse fitness center and a restaurant.
And he wants permission to fund a $6 to $8 million renovation of the Sterling Opera House.
And maybe he’s willing to pay for the refurbishing of the dilapidated Derby parking garage.
Yes, Seymour architect Joseph Migani threw everything on the table for the Derby Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday, with the hope they’ll like his concept for the redevelopment of 101 Elizabeth St., better known as “Plaza on the Green.”
The 70s-era shopping center is owned by former Mayor/current Third Ward Alderman Anthony Staffieri, who could sell his property to Migani if the architect gets the project approved.
Migani first floated the redevelopment plan by the commission last summer.
Back then it was a “bold” 19-story proposal on about an acre of land. After planners signaled the project was too tall, Migani returned with a 12-story proposal.
The concept discussed Tuesday was eight stories rising next to the Derby Green.
The article continues after the document Migani gave the commission:
101 Elizabeth CONCEPTUAL DRAWING by The Valley Indy on Scribd
At 112 feet, the hotel/apartment building would be three stories taller than Derby’s tallest building, the Sterling Towers apartment building at 50 Olivia St.
Although he’s discussed his concept at several public meetings, Migani has yet to submit a formal application to Derby.
He’s had a series of “informal” public discussions with the planning and zoning commission, in an effort to increase the chances he’ll get something approved.
Migani said the plan he went over Tuesday in broad strokes was the project’s fourth draft.
Migani’s vision is currently not allowed under the property’s zoning. He needs the city to give him a zoning change and several other approvals to get the project off the ground.
Migani said he’s received inquiries from some big-time investors about the project — which is why he hopes he can tie the old Sterling Opera House into it.
The architect said he plans to appear before the Derby Board of Aldermen to discuss bidding on a long-term lease to the opera house, which is across the street from the project and is owned by the city.
The opera house could be potentially used as a meeting or convention space by the hotel, Migani said.
“The idea is that we have a boutique hotel that uses the Sterling Opera House under a 99-year-lease,” he said.
Migani discussed two parking options. The hotel/apartment could include an underground garage, or, if the city is willing, Migani said his people could pay to refurbish the city’s parking garage on Thompson Place.
Migani said fixing Derby’s garage would be cheaper than building an underground garage, which would cost about $30,000 per space.
“This sounds like a pipe dream,” Migani said. “Since we first came before the city in August of 2015, we’ve been approached from many influential wealthy people, including well-heeled developers, basically advising us that if we get zoning approval then they’ll participate in the project.”
After the meeting, Mayor Anita Dugatto and her chief of staff Leslie Creane stressed Migani’s discussions are in the earliest of early stages. The mayor’s office at this point is simply listening to what he has to say.
Migani said he hopes to have an actual application into the city by September. He’s informally scheduled to return to talk to the Derby Planning and Zoning Commission next month — with photo renderings.
The complete, unedited audio from Tuesday’s discussion is posted below. The sound quality isn’t great, but hey, it’s free.
