LINCOLN – Developers are seeking to construct a 250-unit multi-building apartment complex off George Washington Highway next to the Lincoln Commons.
The project is proposed as a pair of five-story, L-shaped buildings with below-ground and above-ground parking that would be located behind the Residence Inn Hotel, next to the mall.
The units would be rental-only, and would consist of 135 one-bedrooms, 25 two-bedrooms and five three-bedroom apartments. Project designers said to accommodate suburban living standards, all apartments would cover about or more than 700 square feet, and some units located on the higher levels would have private balconies.
Of the 250 units, 25 percent, or 63 units, are proposed as affordable housing. Project representatives noted that affordable units would be peppered throughout the complex, not segregated to one area, and that they would look the same and have all the same amenities as market-rate apartments.
Most of the roughly 364 parking spots would be located around the perimeter of the complex, and about 120 parking spots would be located in a parking garage underneath the buildings.
Designers explain that the buildings would be L-shaped to create a quad-like space between the two complexes. They add that this design would be optimized to allow sunlight into the center quad, giving residents plenty of open, outdoor space to enjoy while also allowing for the building of a residents-only clubhouse and outdoor pool area.
Eric Zuena, president of ZDS Architecture and Interiors, which is working on the Ann & Hope project as well as another project next to the Pawtucket train station, described the exterior design concept as “homey, upscale, contemporary, and marketable,” saying that creating an aesthetically-pleasing, welcoming exterior is just as important as creating a desirable and livable interior.
With the mall abutting the proposed complex, Zuena stated that one of the goals with this project is to create a livable, walkable community for residents.
Dave Corsetti of Premier Development, developer, parcel owner and Lincoln resident, said he believes Lincoln Commons would support the project.
“This project helps ensure the viability of the mall. A development like this fuses residential with retail and gives it vitality,” he stated.
