A few months ago, we drew your attention to a demolition notice at 2333 Fairmount Ave., and we frankly weren't so sad to be losing this relatively unexciting three story building. At the time, we knew that Loonstyn Properties had purchased the property and we suspected that they would be looking to build a mixed-use building similar to their project at Uber & Fairmount, but we weren't sure about their exact plan. In the time since then, the developers have been hard at work tearing down the building.
In May, the developer presented information to the community at a Fairmount Civic Association meeting, filling in the blanks on the project. Loonstyn Properties is looking to build a five-story building with three retail spaces, 33 apartments, and 21 underground parking spaces. They have three refusals, for a drive-aisle that's four feet too narrow, for roof decks and balconies, and for density, as the property can only have 24 units by right. Still, the community supported the project enough that the developers got a letter of non-opposition. In June, according to meeting minutes, the project came up again, with some near neighbors voicing new objections. We'd guess this is the reason the ZBA hearing was continued last month. Still, it seems the community group is maintaining its stance on the project.
We can't speak to community concerns since we don't live nearby, but in the abstract this seems like a pretty reasonable project for this location. Fairmount Avenue has gotten a number of new projects over the last few years, like the Bar Hygge building on the 1700 block or the Tela's building at 19th. It's a good sight to see this kind of development moving west on Fairmount Avenue, and we can look forward to even more retail options on the corridor in the future. That's assuming, of course, that the project gets the necessary approvals.