Hyatt Centric Hotel
Description:
The application proposes the development of a 164,000sf (16 story) hotel on the southern end of Lenox Square adjacent to Gordon C Bynum Pedestrian Bridge which connects to PATH400. The lifestyle Hyatt Centric brand will cater to business and leisure travelers with a sustainability-minded approach to design and operations. The development will include 221 keys including 11 suites, 3600sf of rooftop terrace, 4,000sf of meeting space (no ballrooms) a ground floor café and chef driven restaurant and bar. No additional parking will be provided, instead shared parking arrangements will be in place with Lenox Square.
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Applicant: Kimley Horn
SAP#:
Project Scope: New Construction
Variation Requested: None
Recommendations:
- Section 16-18L.018 – Transportation Management Plans
The committee reiterates the requirement for the hotelier to provide a transportation management plan or to join Livable Buckhead to satisfy these requirements. This development will include low paying jobs that will not be able to afford to live in the vicinity so the provision of commute incentives for transit will be imperative.
Additional Considerations:
- While the proposed project technically meets the zoning code requirements and does not require any variations, the committee notes that the site plan and physical building design are not responsive to opportunities and physical conditions surrounding the development – specifically the gateway nature of the site and the need to embrace PATH400 to create an entrance to the community as well as the facilitation of travel through to Lenox Square and the surrounding development. The design as currently presented quite literally turns its back on PATH400 and does not provide any activation or even an entrance to the building not to mention any supportive amenities.
The committee recommends the applicant revisit the site layout and building design to fully embrace and integrate PATH400 into the development as well as to provide thoughtful connectivity to Lenox Square. The committee recommends the designer pay particular attention to the treatment of the northwestern corner of the site – specifically incorporating the entrance from the proposed PATH400 trail to the mall as well as considering the views from the Peachtree Park neighborhood across GA400 and ensuring the loading area does not feel like the back of house for this significant point of entry.
- The committee recommends the applicant coordinate with Simon/Lenox Square to develop a robust wayfinding signage program that clearly facilitates pedestrian travel throughout the site and adjacent parcels – specifically focusing on access to the Lenox MARTA station and PATH400.
- The committee recommends the applicant incorporate an amenities package that is supportive of patrons using PATH400 – including bike share options, helmet rentals and other suitable amenities.
- The committee recommends the applicant establish a plan for accommodating scooters and specifically designate a location for scooter parking.
- The committee recommends the applicant consider the inclusion of public art into the development to enhance/soften the entrance and take advantage of the gateway nature of the project.
- The committee recommends the applicant reconsider the southern end of the site and incorporate it into the site plan. A dog walking area/park is a potential consideration.
- The committee recommends the applicant coordinate directly with Simon/Lenox Square to provide enhanced and highly visible pedestrian connectivity from the site to the mall possibly including artistic/painted crosswalks and similar treatments.
- The committee notes that the hotel use will add employees to the market that likely will not be able to live in the community due to a mismatch between salaries and high housing prices in the vicinity. In light of this, the committee recommends the applicant explore employer assisted housing programs and consider offering incentives for their workforce to allow them to live locally.
- The committee notes that hotel housekeeping staffing is often outsourced and many third-party staffing agencies are not providing commute incentives. The committee recommends the hotelier ensure incentives are provided to encourage the use of transit and other non-drive options.
- The committee recommends the inclusion of a robust recycling program.
- The committee recommends the incorporation of public art into the development – particularly along the access to PATH400.
- Due to the proximity to neighboring Peachtree Park, the DRC encourages the applicant to consider soliciting input from the Peachtree Park Civic Association.
The Development Committee understands the landowner has not approved the proposed site plans that were presented and due to this does expect to see revised plans prior to approval of an SAP.
