Proposed Development Could Bring Pedestrian Mall to Magnolia Avenue

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More retail could be coming to the Near Southside, should plans move ahead for a proposed development at the corner of Magnolia and Hemphill Street.

The project took one step forward Monday, when the city’s Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission approved plans for a three-story building that would include retail, office space, and a parking garage. The building would stand behind five historic buildings that front Magnolia Avenue, one of them being the La Cava Building built in 1927, and create a pedestrian mall — that is, a walkway with shops lining both sides.

Behind the project are development group Southside Magnolia Partners LLC and architecture firm VLK Architects.

“Our intent is to have, along that proposed mall, the existing historic buildings with their existing retail, reinforced by proposed retail in the new building to create a double-sided effect,” VLK Architects principal Chris Laak told the Commission. “We think of it as starting to create a spine, if you will, that’s pedestrian oriented.” 

Mike Brennan, president of Near Southside, Inc., spoke in support of the development.

“This linear public plaza really creates this great public space … To see that line of small shops and restaurant use along that ground floor, with some creative space above, or major creative firms to find a home in the Near Southside, it really checked a lot of boxes for us,” he said.

Since the project will take over space currently being used as a parking lot, the building will include a parking garage with approximately 197 spaces. Laak told commissioners that the plan is to have the ground floor open to the public with the upper floors reserved for office workers; outside office hours, all floors will be open to the public.

If all goes as planned, Laak said developers hope to start construction in late September and expect to finish within 14 – 16 months.

---FOO BAR