Brian Sharp

@SharpRoc

In its latest proposal for developing the Port of Rochester, Edgewater Resources strikes townhouses from the first phase of construction and sets a conservative date to start building in June 2016.

Edgewater's site plan application, submitted to the city this month, sets out the phased development plan in greater detail. The first phase, projected at $30 million, would include a boutique hotel and condominiums on what today is a parking lot at the corner of Corrigan Street and an extended North River Street.

Rochester's Environmental Commission meets to consider the plan on Thursday. Among other things, commissioners will recommend whether a full environmental impact study is warranted, according to the city.

In all, Edgewater would build three buildings, each rising a maximum of 10 stories, the last of which might not be completed until 2025.

Work would begin with the 52-room hotel topped by 18 condominiums and a rooftop deck. There also would be space for a coffee shop, a restaurant, event space, a spa and a pool. Plans show a covered drop-off area for the hotel, and the spa as well as the restaurant and tavern on two levels, the latter with outdoor seating.

From there, construction would shift west, with 48 condos on eight floors atop 14 townhouses and additional commercial space. The final phase would be the civic plaza and 50 condos above 20 townhouses and commercial space.

The Democrat and Chronicle obtained Edgewater's application through an open records request.

While developers plan to stay within the framework outlined in their application, Edgewater principal Gregory Weykamp said they would make some adjustments based on whether two- or three-bedroom units are more marketable.

"There might be a higher number of units, but the buildings will not get higher," Weykamp said. "If anything, they (the buildings) will get lower."

The long lead-up to construction is attributed to the time needed for approvals, including from the state, and for design.

"We are a long way from here to starting. It is hard to put a precise date on it," Weykamp said. "Nothing has changed to delay the project."

Past reports had targeted next year for a construction start, with the land transfer still expected in spring 2015.

As for striking the townhouses, Weykamp explained that zoning required that commercial rather than residential front North River Street. There might still be two townhouses built on the Phase One site but as part of the second phase.

The city and Edgewater are in a negotiation phase, with Edgewater having first rights to buy and develop city property bordered by Lake Avenue, Corrigan Street, North River Street and Portside Drive.

BDSHARP@DemocratandChronicle.com

Twitter.com/SharpRoc