Planning 2014-04-24 Item 4 - Boulevard Townhomes - Attachment A: Project Narrative

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ATTACHMENT A BOULEVARD TOWNHOMES Project Narrative Boulevard Townhomes is a 5 -unit townhome project located at 3726 South 154th Street in a neighborhood surrounded by multi - family apartment homes, zoned for high- density residential use. Currently the property contains an older, outdated single family home. Based on the site plan and building design details below, this project will bring the property into its best and highest use, while improving the quality of the neighborhood. This project will serve as an example for upgrading similar properties and continuing to improve the surrounding neighborhoods and city as a whole. Site Plan: The project consists of two buildings, one duplex and one triplex with a common access easement for all five units. The common access easement provides appropriate designated access for both pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic, as well as landscaping features to add visual appeal. Each home has recreational space adjacent to the back of the unit, in addition to ample recreational space for common use. In total, the landscaped space is greater than the required minimums, and incorporates shrubs, trees, grass and other greenery to enhance the natural appeal of the property. Streetscape & Entryways: The entrance for each of the front units will be facing the street, with steps and porch space to create an inviting transition from the sidewalk to the front entrance. Each of the rear units will have a private entrance transitioning from the interior courtyard. Initially, the entries were inset to provide additional porch space, but were later brought back out due to concerns about crime prevention. Natural Environment: The site's grading will maintain congruency with surrounding properties, with consideration for accommodating fire code maximum grading. Where needed, a short retaining wall lines part of the north, east and west side of the property. The entire north, west and east side of the property also has cedar fences (4' on top of retaining wall, 6' otherwise). The corresponding landscape plan will also create natural distinctions between the property and surrounding neighborhood. Circulation /Parking /Crime Prevention: The driveway slope is well under the fire code maximum and width is greater than the required minimum. Each unit has a two -car garage located off the common access easement, enhancing the safety and deterring crime on the property. In addition, the orientation of site and architectural design will deter crime by easily designating spaces as public /semi- private /private. The common access easement will serve as the only public 21