Building revitalization projects proposed for Wealthy Street

Proposals were brought to the January East Hills Council of Neighbors meeting, with a butcher shop and mixed-use development aim to revitalize the lots at 1106 and 1059 Wealthy Street SE.

Matt Smith, future owner of Louise Earl Butcher, is currently in the process of purchasing the Handicap Sign storage facility at 1106 Wealthy.

"We are purchasing the building from Handicap sign, but allowing them to retain some storage space for a while. We will eventually occupy the entire building," he says. His plans for the build-out involve removing the boarded-up brick façade, salvaging the useable brick and replacing what is necessary. Smith has big plans for the product as well.

“I am really into the sustainability aspect of butchering,” says Smith. He has a local source for the meat and plans on opening a lunch counter, and hopes to be near opening by the end of the summer.

Green Cane and Orion Construction were also in attendance to show their renderings for a mixed use, apartment development at 1059 Wealthy, which is currently home to a retail strip in a former McDonald's building. The lot would feature a three level space flush with Wealthy Street. The first floor would create 7,000 square feet of retail space, 7,000 square feet of second floor offices and an array of third floor apartments. Although the building is bigger than other structures on the block, the plans show a recessed patio to help with size proportions to its future neighbors.

Behind the store fronts, Green Cane and Orion hope to build 20 apartments. Each apartment would be 800 square feet with two bedrooms, minimal green space and significant parking. Although the renderings are to code, local residents in attendance expressed concern over the 74 space parking lot and small strips of grass allotted to each unit.

Both East Hills Council Board and residents asked the developers to reduce the parking area in exchange for outdoor common areas, arguing that there was already transportation available since 1059 Wealthy sits directly behind a Rapid stop.

Concern by one resident for green space was echoed and then encouraged as a go between the development and the existing community as a place to meet and mingle with new residents. Green Cane and Orion listened and responded to concerns and the Board called it a good place to begin the conversation.

Despite a few criticisms, the plans for both 1106 and 1059 Wealthy Street SE seemed to be well received by the public and ready to move on to the next stage. The development plans for 1059 Wealthy are still in the conceptual stage, so expect to see the butcher at 1106 Wealthy to move in first.