In a recent government meeting, the proposal for a new multifamily apartment building in DeLand's historic district sparked significant discussion among city officials and community members. The project, spearheaded by attorney Mark Watts on behalf of Axia Partners LLC, aims to construct an 84-unit building at 225 West New York Avenue, featuring a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

The proposed structure will rise to 80 feet, primarily consisting of five stories, with a three-story section at the southeast corner. The first floor is designated for non-residential use, including indoor bicycle parking and leasing offices, alongside vehicle and bicycle parking and stormwater management facilities.

During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding the building's height and massing, particularly its proximity to the historic courthouse, which some citizens believe it may overshadow. The city's contracted architect noted that while the building's design incorporates elements reminiscent of the former Putnam Hotel—such as red brick and barrel tile roofing—its scale may not align with the surrounding structures, which predominantly consist of one to four-story buildings.

The Historic Preservation Board is tasked with reviewing the application, which has already undergone staff review and a courtesy review by the Historic Preservation Board in April 2024. The applicant has made adjustments based on feedback, including enhancing architectural features to better reflect the historic context of the area.

Despite the proposed building's compliance with certain land development regulations, the board's recommendation includes a conditional approval, suggesting that the mass and scale be modified to better fit the surrounding properties. The board's decision will ultimately determine whether the project proceeds as planned or requires further adjustments.

As the city navigates the balance between development and preservation, the outcome of this proposal will be closely watched by both officials and residents, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about growth within historic districts.