Representatives of Avondale Estates and Avila Real Estate recently met for the second time in a month, as they continue discussing the re-development of the old Fenner Dunlop mill site.
Avila (formerly Euramex Management) bought the 13 acres just north of downtown nearly three years ago. But it’s only been in the first quarter of this year the developer and the city have talked in more specifics about a future mixed-use project.
“From my standpoint, this is where I hope we’d end up,” said Mayor Jonathan Elmore, an architect by profession. “We’re talking more about the architectural, engineering and design stuff. I feel like they’re close to applying for a site disturbance permit or a grading permit.”
Much of the talks, Elmore said, have also focused on installing a road system and storm water infrastructure, along with breaking up and reusing much of the existing concrete on site. Preliminary plans call for 300 to 400 apartments within the project.
The city is also interested in some type of complimentary project involving the four acres it owns just south of the Avila site. Additionally, the developer owns two acres on U.S. 278, former home of the infamous “Erector Set,” but so far hasn’t revealed plans for that location.
There is no timetable for when any work may begin.
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