Rendering via Architectural Alliance.

A four-story building will soon rise on the current site of the United Dairy Farmers store and adjacent parking lot in the Short North. The latest proposal from Elford Development for the corner was approved at last week’s Italian Village Commission meeting.

The building will feature large storefronts for retail and restaurant uses along both First Avenue and High Street, with office space above. Ground level parking accessed from Pearl Alley will provide spaces for 13 cars.

“We are very excited about the project,” said designer Jonathan Grubb of Architectural Alliance, “It will definitely be a great addition to the Short North community.”

Commissioner Josh Lapp, who voted to approve the building, characterized the board’s response as generally positive as well.

“The commission was enthused about the project due to the less-than-stellar condition of the site currently, including the curb cuts and parking lot that make the area unsafe for pedestrians,” he said. “I think overall there is a lot of excitement that one of the most important, and currently dreary, corners in the Short North is being rejuvenated.”

Lapp added that Elford and Architectural Alliance were responsive to concerns brought up by the commission, with significant changes being made to the proposal since it was first brought before the review board in July.

“My concerns about Pearl Alley, specifically, were addressed,” he said, “and I think this treatment – brick parking, rear storefronts, etc – really sets a new benchmark for Pearl and makes it more pedestrian friendly and active.”

All renderings by Architectural Alliance.