When the Central Mall was built in 1982, the idea was to zone office space lots on the southern out lots running along Magnolia Rd.
However, after 39 years of empty space, the new owners of Central Mall are looking to go in a different direction.
Zoning Administrator Dean Andrew presented a plan to City Commissioners on Monday, recommending that the plot of land at 104 E Magnolia Rd, or directly south of the former JC Penney store in Central Mall, take a zoning change to allow for development of a hotel.
Atwell Suites Hotel wishes to build a 4-story, 80 room establishment on the lot. Access would be from roads within Central Mall, not direct from Magnolia Rd. A garden and outdoor pool would be on-site. The hotel would accommodate 9% of the lot, and no conference rooms or restaurants would be within the hotel establishment.
In staff discussions, the Commissioners were excited for such a venture, but some issues were raised.
The building height limit within this property zoning is 35 ft. Atwell Suites Hotel would be a 47 ft high building, well over the limit for this zoning district.
As Dean Andrew addressed, this land is in the flood plain. Any building that is built here, including the potential Atwell Suites Hotel, would be required to build a minimum of one foot over the 100 flood elevation.
Possibly the most important discussion was started by Commissioner Hoppock.
"The concern I have about this location is the entrances off Magnolia," Hoppock began. "I have a real concern about that west entrance that lines up with Highland Ave."
Both Mayor Hodges and Dean Andrew agreed.
"Whether the hotel gets built there or not, that intersection is a problem," Andrew stated.
Ideas were tossed around, but ultimately it was agreed upon that a traffic study on the area of Century Plaza Dr, Highland Ave, and Magnolia Rd needs to be conducted, to determine the needs for both present and future concerns.
As for the matter at hand, it was moved and seconded to pass the ordinance for the zoning change to allow for the construction of a hotel on the plot, as well as the allowance for a height variance of the hotel being 4 stories and 47 ft tall.
However, one condition was added. After much discussion by Commissioners, and at the suggestion of Zoning Administrator Dean Andrew, it was decided that improvements to traffic flow on Century Plaza Dr to Magnolia Rd must be addressed before a certificate of occupancy being issued.
The motion passed 4-0 on first reading. Commissioner Peck was not present.
A second reading will be held at a later date.
