Design board backs 6‑story, 180‑bed skilled nursing facility on 61st Avenue with conditions

Staff described DRB-2024-033 as a transit‑support mixed‑use 6‑story proposal with retail, a paseo and a 180‑bed skilled nursing facility. The staff report noted the project uses bonus allocations to exceed the normal four‑story limit and recommended approval with conditions including unity of title, a restrictive covenant to maintain the paseo and a revised tree removal application with issuance prior to zoning approval of any building permit.

Applicant counsel said the project had been unanimously recommended by the planning board and previously approved by the city commission; architect Javier Fontaine outlined the through‑block arcade, concealed parking and façade materials. Board members questioned the practicality of relocating large specimen trees on a tight site where demolition and reconstruction occur; one member said relocating a mature live oak and sable palms “is not realistic” and that mitigation will likely be necessary. Members also raised concerns about column spacing, street trees and coordinating tree locations with arcades and underground utilities. The board sought clarification on elevations that differed from plans for retail/utility areas and asked the applicant to confirm generator exhaust/intake separation and MEP coordination.

A motion to approve with staff conditions passed by recorded voice vote; members emphasized that a revised tree removal permit and unity of title must be completed and that the paseo maintenance covenant be recorded before certificate of occupancy. The conditions recorded by staff included compliance with Resolution 092‑24‑16197 and Florida Building Code and ADA compliance for final permits.