Norwich Properties plans redevelopment of 111 Holly Street with new condominiums

In a recent meeting of the Northampton Planning Board, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as Doug Searle, a landscape architect from Berkshire Design Group, presented a redevelopment proposal for 111 Holly Street. This site, currently home to a vacant 2,200 square foot building and a gravel lot, is poised for transformation into a residential complex featuring three condominium buildings.

Searle, accompanied by architects Scott Laidlaw and Dan Bonham, detailed the project’s vision, which aims to create eight condominium units while preserving a historic culvert, the Market Street Brook, that runs beneath the property. The proposed design includes a two-story building with four units facing Holly Street and two additional three-story buildings, each containing two units.

The redevelopment plan emphasizes thoughtful integration with the surrounding area, which includes commercial developments to the north and south, and residential properties to the east. The project will utilize one of the existing curb cuts for access, leading to individual driveways for each unit, ensuring that parking is both convenient and unobtrusive. Each unit will feature a single-car garage, with additional parking spaces allocated for guests.

Searle highlighted the importance of pedestrian access, noting that the design includes pathways connecting to the sidewalk along Holly Street. However, the proposal does not include bicycle racks, as residents are encouraged to store bicycles within their garages.

The meeting also addressed waste management, with plans for each unit to have designated space for waste and recycling receptacles within the garages. A concrete pad near the entrance will serve as a temporary holding area for trash on collection days, surrounded by plantings to enhance the visual appeal.

As the Planning Board deliberates on this proposal, the community watches closely, eager to see how this redevelopment will shape the future of Holly Street and contribute to Northampton's evolving landscape. The project not only aims to revitalize a currently underutilized site but also seeks to respect the historical elements of the area, marking a significant step in the city’s ongoing development efforts.