Planning commission approves Whitehall Drive mixed‑use site plan with conditions

The Beaufort Planning Commission approved site‑plan design for a mixed‑use building at 101 Whitehall Drive after a presentation from staff and the project architect.

Staff described the lot as part of the Whitehall development with infrastructure and parking largely already installed; the property includes a 20‑foot dedicated buffer strip to protect existing trees. Architect Bill Chambers told the commission the building will be a largely brick, three‑story mixed‑use structure: ground‑floor commercial shell space, second‑floor residential flats (three units shown in the current design) and a third‑floor penthouse for the owner. Chambers said about 14 parking spaces are available on the lot; staff indicated the building meets the T4N district standards subject to minor design clarifications.

Commissioners and staff discussed a short list of design conditions (balcony treatment, window placement on blank walls, awning materials and lighting) and landscaping/tree mitigation for a specimen live oak the plan proposes to remove and mitigate. Commissioners asked staff and the applicant to (1) review the aesthetic and functional differences between metal and fabric awnings, (2) recommend the applicant speak to the larger development’s owner about cleaning and maintaining the developer‑held buffer, and (3) allow staff to confirm the buffer outcome. The motion, to approve subject to staff conditions and the three additions, passed by voice vote.

The approval is conditioned on the applicant meeting the listed design requirements and staff verifying the final landscape and buffer plan before issuance of any building permits.