City to review plans for 13 story building at foot of Libby Hill

New hi-rise apartments proposed for Tobacco row.

March 26, 2014; 8:48 AM • by Richard Hayes

The approximately 190 foot, 13 story building wouldn’t impact the view of the famous James river-bend as previous efforts but will still require a special use permit.

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The 65-unit building, known as The James at River Bend, would be located at East Cary and Pear streets below Libby Hill Park. The parcel at 2801 E. Main St. currently holds a vacant service station.

The proposed tower would be much taller than everything around it. In the developer’s view, that’s part of the appeal.

“The end of Cary Street doesn’t call for just another average building of average height and average appearance,” developer David White wrote to city officials. “It calls for a bold statement.”

Two pieces of legislation to allow the development to move forward — a special-use permit and the closure of a portion of right of way — were introduced at Monday’s City Council meeting. The proposal is scheduled to go to the Planning Commission on April 21.

Image: RTD