Phoenix Block redevelopment presented to planning board; hearings continued to Feb. 18

Attorney Arnie Pollock and developer Mark Szyberowski presented a multi-application redevelopment plan for the Phoenix Block that would replace the former CVS and the damaged E & P Hotel with a new 8‑story mixed-use building linked to a refurbished Phoenix Hall by a connector building. The scope includes a lot-line adjustment, discontinuance of Phoenix Avenue (a City Council decision), two major site plans (lots 27 and 28), and conditional-use permits for building height and partial obstruction of views to the State House dome.

Presenters said the proposal would deliver retail at street level, limited office space on the second floor, 36 residential units across the third through sixth floors and a rooftop restaurant/venue at the top floor with indoor and outdoor seating. The team emphasized preservation of Phoenix Hall and that the architectural design review committee recommended approval of the submitted elevations and the conditional use permit narratives.

Board members and the public discussed parking numbers and disruption during construction, pedestrian connectivity (a two-stop elevator and an open-air pass-through lobby were shown), lighting and façade treatment, and structural interface with adjacent historic buildings (snow load and common wall concerns). Neighbors and local business owners addressed support and engineering coordination; abutters reported ongoing consultations with the applicant and engineering teams to address structural and snow-load impacts. Because applicants and staff requested time to respond to reviewer comments and to coordinate outstanding technical items, the board determined each application complete for notice purposes and voted to continue the public hearings and decisions to the Feb. 18 planning board meeting so the materials can be revised and heard on the same night.