Connecticut-based VeLa Development Partners (VeLa) has submitted plans for a 32-story tower named VeLa Pietown. VeLa prides itself in bringing attainable luxury to growth markets in the Southeast, Sunbelt, and Mountain West. Located in the up-and-coming Pietown neighborhood, the project will convert the existing parking lot into a new multi-family tower with street level retail and underground parking. Vela Pietown is located on a prominent corner at the intersection of Lafayette and Ewing streets; the address is 601 Lafayette Street.
The property has changed hands quite a few times in the 90’s before its most recent sale earlier this year for $19 Million. It also marks the 4th mixed-use development proposed in Pietown. Developer CA South has started selling Condos at its Pietown project HYVE. There is a 25-story tower proposed by T2 Capital Management as well as a multi-phased mixed-use project by Mill Creek. There is also a host of planned towers adjacent to Lafayette Street, one of which includes the Ritz-Carlton by M2 Development. Below is a sample of adjacent developments around VeLa Pietown.
A request has been submitted for an overall height modification for the Lafayette Street property which is zoned DTC. Once approved, it will make way for the new mixed-use development on the 1.06-acre site. The request was made by Kimley-Horn, on behalf of the property owner. Here’s he quick rundown:
Development Rundown
VELA Pietown
- What’s Now: Parking Lot
- What’s Next: Mixed-use Development
- Developer: Vela Development
- Architects: Johnston Marklee / Lamar Johnson Collaborative
- Civil: Kimley Horn
- Councilperson: Freddie O’Connell
Building Stats
- 32 Stories
- 411 Units
- 5,715 SF of Retail
- 373 Parking Spaces
- Proposed Bonus Height – 16-Stories
Designed by Johnston Marklee & the Lamar Johnson Collaborative, the development will feature a large distinctive glass canopy. The canopies are designed to provide shade, light modulation, and weather protection of its surrounding sidewalks. The glass within the grid facade of the tower is dynamic and is being designed to create various effects. The glass panels are proposed as 6 feet wide and 9 feet tall.
Slide the image to see What’s Now & Next.
The overall project consists of 4 levels of dedicated underground parking spaces. The ground floor features a large retail shell, resident lobby, and BOH spaces. Level 2 features an expansive and thoughtfully designed amenity level. Featured amenities include a pool deck, lounge, dog run, co working spaces, as well as indoor outdoor fitness and dining areas. Level 2 also features a limited number of residential units. The next 30 floors consist of the remaining residences.
Vela Pietown primarily faces Lafayette Street and will activate the pedestrian realm with high visibility retail with covered outdoor seating. Site improvements includes new sidewalks, landscaping, and in-ground planters with integrated seating. The building lobby and garage entrance are located on Ewing Street.
The project is slated for the 1/12/2023 metro Planning Agenda.
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