Plan commission approves 12‑unit Avant townhomes subject to utility coordination and a setback variance

The Carmel Plan Commission on June 17 approved a development plan and ADLS for Avant Townhomes, a proposal for three buildings totaling 12 townhome units at 1260 Fairfax Manor Drive, conditional on final utility coordination and approval of a front‑setback variance by the Board of Zoning Appeals hearing officer.

Architect Jeff Desmit of Studio Access presented the project on behalf of the applicant and described the design: "There are 3 blocks of 4 units ... all of these are 4 story units ..." He said the buildings will use masonry (cast stone, brick) for three floors, board‑and‑batten siding on upper floors, glass railings at the front and picket railings at the rear, and that each unit includes two‑car garages and elevators. Builder John McKenzie said starting prices would likely be "a little north of a million and go from there. Probably top out at a million 3 or 4." Planning staff recommended the item be sent to committee but noted outstanding coordination with utility providers and that the Urban Forester approved landscape plans.

Commissioners asked questions about setbacks, parking and optional fourth‑floor configurations. The petitioner said easements constrained westward shifting of the buildings and explained the fourth‑floor terrace could be an enclosed two‑story interior option on three units. After a brief discussion, the commission suspended its rules to take a vote that evening and approved the Avant Townhomes with conditions: utilities must be finalized and the setback variance must be granted on June 23 by the BZA hearing officer.

The approval was recorded on the record as contingent on those conditions and the commission congratulated the applicant.