Board approves downtown Lake Avenue storefront renovation with conditions trimmed on knee walls

Anne Hamilton presented HRPB project 26‑00100056 for 716 Lake Avenue, a contributing storefront in the Old Town Historic District. Staff summarized original 1946 blueprints and photographs, and noted that the applicant seeks to restore character‑defining features (tile knee wall, decorative doors), request a 0‑foot front setback waiver and apply for an ad valorem tax exemption for the rehabilitation. "We have documentary evidence that they are actually bringing back a configuration that is original," Hamilton said.

Applicant Josh Robbins (Robbins Companies) and design consultant Juan Johnson argued restoring the facade and adding operable doors will make the large, long‑vacant building leasable for mom‑and‑pop retail and restaurants. Robbins said the project's due‑diligence window was short and that the proposed changes were needed to attract tenants and activate Lake Avenue. Several local business owners and developers filed letters of support and attendees urged the board to approve the applicant's preferred configuration without the staff's knee‑wall detail.

Board members discussed alternatives — recessed knee walls with faux mullions suggested by staff versus the applicant's operable 'nano' doors and a shallower setback. After debate the board voted to approve the COA, the 0‑foot setback waiver and preconstruction ad valorem exemption with conditions, striking four staff items (including the knee wall requirement and specific door spacing) to allow the applicant to proceed with the preferred operable‑door layout. "We're willing to work with staff on making them hurricane rated and recessed appropriately," the applicant said. The motion passed unanimously.