The Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission approved site plans Wednesday for a new mixed-use development at 405 Laurel that will house a floral shop and wine bar, demonstrating creative solutions to development challenges in the city’s Downtown District.
The project, which will replace a previously demolished building, includes 1,489 square feet for APA Designs floral shop and 989 square feet for a wine bar. Due to the property’s small 0.16-acre footprint, developers worked with city staff to implement several design modifications allowed under Downtown District regulations.
The commission approved plans for six head-in parking spaces along the street, with an additional nine spaces to be shared at a nearby property through a written agreement. A license agreement for use of the right-of-way will require City Council approval.
“This property is pretty much what the Downtown District has always wanted as far as small pieces of property being developed,” said Commissioner Rives. “Since 2008 or before, they knew that was going to be a challenge with narrow properties.”
The development will preserve a 36-inch oak tree on the property, which exceeds the city’s new tree requirements for the lot size. Developers will also install a six-foot sidewalk on the school district side of Laurel Street to facilitate pedestrian access between developments.
“The canopy actually extends nearly to the other side of the property,” said Troy Kennedy of Kennedy Architecture. “It sets up real well for that building. We shouldn’t have to trim it.”
The approval requires execution of both the license agreement and shared parking agreement before a certificate of occupancy will be issued.
