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Public Hearing on Development at Old Southern States Property Set for Aug. 22

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Renderings on plans submitted to the Boone Planning and Inspections office.

By Jesse Wood

A public hearing regarding the revised version of a proposed development of the old Southern States property in downtown Boone is scheduled at the Boone Town Council Chambers on Monday, Aug. 22 at 5:30 p.m.

Rivers Walk is a $25.5 million proposed mixed-use, student-housing development at Water Street and Poplar Grove Road that will feature 380 beds in 151 units with the following breakdown:

  • Studio: 8 (5 %)
  • 1 Bedroom: 9 (6 %)
  • 2 Bedroom: 83 (55 %)
  • 3 Bedroom: 7 (5 %)
  • 4 Bedroom: 35 (23 %)
  • 4 Bedroom/2 Story Apartments: 9 (6 %)

Plans call for a 199-vehicle parking deck that will also accommodate several motorcycles and more than 50 bicycles. At the request of Planning Director Bill Bailey, tenants of the proposed development who are bringing a vehicle to town are required to show proof of a parking contract within town in order for the lease to be valid.

The property will include 24/7 security monitoring and on-site security facility for management of the building and parking deck.

Commercial space includes roughly 17,000 square feet and 42 parking spaces for those businesses. A list of commercial uses provided in the plans are as follows:

  • Real estate leasing management office
  • Gym
  • Coffee Shop
  • UPS style printing and copy shop
  • Café and bar
  • Full service restaurant with alcohol service
  • Security office
  • Furniture repair shop
  • General merchandise and clothing stores
  • Convenience store
  • Security office/quarters

The height of the building is 40 feet tall plus additional screening for rooftop mechanical equipment. The developer is also requesting an additional access to the lower level of the parking deck from Watauga County-owned property if the county ever approves access near Watauga Medics.

These revised plans that will be presented to the Boone Town Council and Planning Commission in a couple weeks. For more information and to view the proposed and revised plans once uploaded by the town, click here.