EASTON, Pa. — The Easton Planning Commission gave approval on Wednesday to the development plan for “The Marquis,” a planned seven-story mixed-use building at 27 S. Third St.
The structure will replace the current Pine Street Garage and occupy the block between Pine and Ferry Streets.
According to Robert DiLorenzo, senior project manager for the developer, City Center Investment Corporation, the project is on track to begin work next spring, with the first units going on sale by the end of 2024.
DiLorenzo said planning and approvals for the project are on track, but Downtown wants to wait until the new Fourth Street garage is finished later this year before closing the Pine Street garage to begin construction. works.
DiLorenzo revealed a new rendering of the project that adds design elements recommended by the city’s Historic District Commission. The new design divides the facade into sections, intended to evoke a row of townhouses rather than a continuous structure.
The facade at the corner of Third and Pine Streets in particular was designed to pay homage to the Drake Building, a seven-story building with a cast-iron facade that stood on this site until its demolition in 1972 at the far end. back of Easton. phase of “urban renewal”.
“One of the things that got us excited about working with HDC was exploring Easton’s story,” DiLorenzo said. He said the designers were happy “to try to give a little homage, a little nod, to the Drake building”.
The ground floor of the Marquis will include commercial space, while the overall development will have approximately 280 apartments and 305 parking spaces.
The ground floor of the Marquis will have commercial space, which DiLorenzo says would be perfect for something like a small cafe, a fitness room, and a retail store.
The first two levels behind the storefronts will be dedicated to parking. The plan calls for 305 spaces, many of which DiLorenzo said would likely be empty on weekdays and available for public parking.
The third floor will have two courtyards, one with a swimming pool and picnic area for residents and the other with a dog park. The roof of the building will include a residents’ deck and a 20,000 square foot green roof, which will aid in the structure’s stormwater management plan.
The overall development will have between 270 and 280 apartments, depending on the eventual mix between one- and two-bedroom units, DiLorenzo said, and rents will likely start around $1,300 per month.
