Right now, this is what it looks like at 1800 N. Henderson Avenue -- an abandoned Carnival grocery store, an empty parking lot, a sprawling expanse of barren land (2.95 acres worth, to be specific). As mentioned here last month, Marc and Roger Andres want to redevelop the property, but have encountered resistance from a small number of neighbors -- "the vocal minority," says Marc. But, adds Roger: "We have overwhelming support from people who live in the surrounding neighborhoods, and we participate in their neighborhood meetings." (Even Avi Adelman's for it: In his morning missive sent to media and other interested parties, the Barking Dog writes, "This is probably the last chance Lower Greenville has at seeing something really useful and positive being built in our neighborhood.")
The Brothers Andres have been open about their plans for the property, upon which they want to build a three-Rs mixed-use development (residential, retail, restaurants) that would essentially help connect Lower Greenville with Ross Avenue heading toward downtown. On their Web site, they've included the site plan, the zoning change application filed with the city and land use specs for the property, which was scheduled to go before the City Plan Commission Thursday. (It's been pushed back, likely into mid-February.) "We like to think we're visionaries, and we want to share our vision with everyone," Marc tells Unfair Park this morning. "We're not battlers."
Marc and Roger Andres insist they need to build 250 residential units for find a builder and a lendor; they're willing to reduce the number, but not by much. But, see, if you have any questions or concerns, yer in luck: Tonight, the Andres brothers will share their vision with the entire neighborhood and anyone else interested in the fate of the property: They're hosting a "neighborhood meeting" from 6:30 to 8 on the site, during which speeches will be made and plans will be shared.
"We just want to get people into a modern, newer project -- something that really works," Marc says. "And we've had the chance in our other properties to put in banks or a Starbucks, but we want to keep it local." Locals, your turn. --Robert Wilonsky
