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Developers propose three apartments in former Flanders building; DRB raises code, parking and life‑safety questions
Summary
At a Feb. 20 conceptual review, developers proposed converting upper space of the former Flanders lumber building on Park Street into three apartments. The Essex Junction Development Review Board and staff focused on life‑safety upgrades, Vermont Energy Code applicability, bike‑parking and site management rather than exterior changes.
Essex Junction Development Review Board members on Feb. 20 reviewed a conceptual site plan to add three dwelling units on the second floor of the former Flanders lumber building (above East Coast Printer) and directed staff and the applicant to refine plans addressing life‑safety, energy‑code and site‑management items.
The developers — Michael Alavanos of JRMA Design Studio and Chris McEwing and Tim Mac of Park Street Ventures — told the board the proposal is an interior conversion that reduced an earlier concept of five units to three to fit budget and existing rooflines. Alavanos said the work is largely interior and would add “two new windows in the exterior of the building,” with other changes focused on fire separations, insulation and life‑safety upgrades needed for residential occupancy.
Board members and staff emphasized why the details matter. Michael Giguere, city planning staff, told the board that several sections of the Land Development Code (LDC) and the Vermont Energy Code could apply to the project but that some requirements — notably long‑term bicycle storage — only trigger at 5,000 gross square feet. “I…
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