For years, we’ve stared at a vacant lot, yawning in its vastness and surprising for its location, just south of the corner of 7th and Bainbridge Sts. This nearly 6000 sqft. lot was in the same family for decades, and we seem to remember some dilapidated buildings being torn down at this site a handful of years ago (or maybe we’re wrong, our minds are fuzzy after last night’s playoff loss). Back in 2007, a gentleman named Richard Santore purchased the lot. If you live in that area, you’re probably familiar with this guy, as he’s the owner of the nearby Saloon Restaurant and Fitzwater Cafe.

From the south

Looking from across the street

In August, Mr. Santore got approval from the Zoning Board for several variances that will enable him to construct four four-story homes on this lot, each with roof decks and parking. The requested parking is open air, so we’re imagining driveways? Or perhaps one curb cut with parking in the rear? We don’t know much about the specific design decisions for these houses, but we imagine that the neighborhood is holding Santore and architects Moto Design Shop to a very high standard. With a fancy neighborhood cafe on the corner and high-end residences around the way on Kenilworth St., locals have surely had much to say on what will be a very large-scale project in Bella Vista. Based on some of Moto’s past work, we’re expecting something dramatic and interesting here.

Cafe to the north

Adorable, slightly blurry Kenilworth St.

As soon as we get any more information or renderings, we’ll be sure to pass them along.