Retail building and micro-apartments proposed

A sizable redevelopment is being considered for the 1400 block of Fatherland Street, potentially bringing commercial space, single-family homes, and micro-apartments to one of the neighborhood’s most unusual geographic areas.

Render_fatherland looking east.psdThe project would involve five properties, including several small homes that currently occupy “The Cut” — the land depression that’s bordered by 14th ,15th, and Fatherland streets, across from The 4 Way Market.

Fatherland Partners — consisting of Chris Seay and Daniel Fell — along with Powell Architects, are considering a rezoning request to increase the density.

In two neighborhood presentations, the group has proposed up to 8,000 square feet of commercial construction at the corner of Fatherland and 14th (replacing the dilapidated stone veneer building there now).

The more unique part of the plan would fill most of the block along Fatherland.

In that stretch, the land currently slopes like a cliff, with several small homes and apartments located at the bottom of the hill, below street level.

An early proposal calls for reworking the terrain so that four homes can be located on Fatherland. But instead of placing these on stilts, or creating bridges from the street, the homes would actually be on top of a three-story apartment building with up to 30 units between 300 and 500 square feet.

From the back of the property in the alley, the apartments would appear as a stair-step.

A parking garage of roughly 60 spots would also be tucked up underneath the development, for both residents and the commercial corner.Render_fatherland looking west.psd

“I wouldn’t come asking you for density if I wasn’t offering something the neighborhood wants,” Seay said. “We’re trying to do something that serves the greater community.”

The response thus far has been mixed. Several have applauded the innovative idea, and the openness of the discussion — which has started before the developers have approached Metro with plans.

Some neighbors closest to the proposal have concerns about the density and increased competition for parking, as well as changes to the flow of traffic on Fatherland.

The developers, and Councilman Brett Withers, said it could take months for the proposal to work through the rezoning process, plus other potential reviews.

For more information, or to share comments, write to seayfatherland@gmail.com.