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Mixed Use Development Proposed Across From Holmes Convocation Center in Boone

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The building is currently located on the 475 Blowing Rock Road parcel, which is one of the parcels in question for redevelopment.

By Jesse Wood

Marty Rice of MET Holdings is looking to redevelop property across the street from the intersection at Rivers Street and Blowing Rock Road near the Holmes Convocation Center, according to planning documents submitted to the Town of Boone.

The property in question consists of two parcels (including 475 Blowing Rock Road) located in between an Appalachian South apartment complex and the Parthenon Café. Currently, 475 Blowing Rock Road consists of a commercial property that includes three bedrooms and an office space, one of which has been used by Boone Take Out.

This is the view from the property in question.
This is the view from the property in question.

Rice is looking to rezone the property from B2 Neighborhood Business District to B3 General Business District with a site-specific development plan for a mixed-use building consisting of 24 efficiency apartments and nearly 2,700 square feet of retail space.

The total land area of the parcels is roughly 0.7 acres, and 28 parking spaces are slotted in the plans, including 22 for the residential and 6 for the commercial spaces.

The project is dubbed “University Outlook” in the plans.

A special hearing on the redistricting proposal is set for Jan. 6, 2016, at 5:30 p.m. at the Town Council Chambers located at 1500 Blowing Rock Road.

According to the town’s Unified Development Ordinance, here are the definitions of both the B2 and B3 districts:

The B2 Neighborhood Business District is intended to provide for the development of low-density commercial and services that are accessible by pedestrians and cyclists from surrounding neighborhoods, which serve the day to day convenience needs of surrounding neighborhoods, and are of such nature as to be in harmony with the neighborhoods they serve. Appropriate residential uses are allowed in this district, normally as part of mixed-use developments. The regulations for this district are designed and intended to create a comfortable, healthy, safe, aesthetically pleasing, and pleasant environment for all appropriate uses.

The B3 General Business District is established to provide a wide range of consumer goods, convenience goods and personal services for the community and surrounding region. Appropriate residential uses are allowed in this district, normally as part of mixed-use developments. The regulations for this district are designed and intended to create a comfortable, healthy, safe, aesthetically pleasing, and pleasant environment for all appropriate uses.

Correction: The previous story was edited to identify the correct owner of this property.