A developer is planning new apartments, offices and possible retail space in the heart of Chattanooga's North Shore in a $15 million project.
The former long-time Chattanooga Printing and Engraving Building at 110 Somerville Ave. would hold office space and a three-level addition for 21 apartments, said Matt McGauley, president of developer Fidelity Trust Co.
"The existing, historic building on the Somerville site will undergo a complete restoration and modernization," McGauley said, including the addition on two sides of the structure that increases it to 47,500 square feet in size.
He also proposed putting up a new 7,500-square-foot building at 306 Cherokee Boulevard near the Chattanooga Printing site that would be one story in size but with an exterior that appears as two levels.
The city's Form-Based Code Committee, before which McGauley was seeking a variance on Thursday for the project, balked at a one-story building when the code calls for two levels.
Panel member David Hudson said if a one-story building is granted "we'll have everybody and their brother coming in here and I'm afraid we'll set a precedent."
McGauley said that doubling the Cherokee Boulevard building to 15,000 square feet would be detrimental to the functionality and economics of the project. He requested a deferral on that part for at least 30 days.
Still, McGauley won variances for the Somerville Avenue portion of the project from the panel.
Heidi Hefferlin of HK Architects said a colorful, unique design feature to the wrap-around addition to the Chattanooga Printing building will integrate public art into the structure.
"It's a combo creative office and live-work," she said. "We thought it would be a good way to express creativity."
Since the Somerville structure sits back off of Cherokee Boulevard and would go behind the planned smaller building, the art feature also gives it prominence, Hefferlin said.
"It gives new life to the whole project," she said.
McGauley said there are a pair of anchor tenants that have pre-leased 40,000 square feet of the Somerville building, which he is purchasing. He said the tenants want to remain confidential at this time.
"However, we can say they are working collaboratively to create a new, innovative live-work concept that will be unlike anything in this area," McGauley said.
He said the entrance to the Chattanooga Printing building will be from Cherokee, with the 2.5-acre parcel holding more than 90 parking spots.
"We are thrilled to re-imagine and bring new life to such a central and important piece of property to Chattanooga's North Shore district," he said.
McGauley said the entire project would have more than 55,000-square-feet of space if that includes the 7,500-square-foot structure on Cherokee.
"Our development is bringing a new and innovative live-work concept to Chattanooga that fits beautifully with the adaptive reuse of the historic Somerville building along with the juxtaposed new construction element with a focus on modern sustainability, functionality and showcasing local art," he said.
Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @MikePareTFP.