Preliminary approval granted for plaza plan

At last week’s meeting, Borough Council voted to give preliminary approval for builder Eli Kahn to construct a 44,000 square foot mixed use structure at the Mosteller Building site.

The planning commission has recommended final approval for the project.

Council might vote for final approval at its October meeting and Kahn expects to complete construction sometime prior to the 2019 Christmas Parade.

Kahn talked extensively about public art, including a landmark fountain planned for the Church and Gay streets intersection.

“The only thing people will talk about on this property 50 years from now will be the fountain,” Kahn said.

The courtyard fountain would feature two levels, with the higher level closer to the building. Water might cascade down both sides, creating sound and a rippling effect.

The primarily black fountain would feature an infinity edge, with no splashing. Wading will not be allowed. The water will just be three or four inches deep.

The fountain would be open year-round. A boiler would heat the water in January.

“There is no sense spending money on a fountain that doesn’t operate all year-round,” Kahn

said.

The builder suggested that the Plaza Plan, or 44 West, feature at least two pieces of local, rotating art. Kahn suggested that West Chester University students and the Chester County Art Association might display sculpture for about six months at a time. The art might be shown in both the plaza and the lobby.

Kahn also expects to plant trees and increase the street lighting at the site, which will feature one or two restaurants and office space upstairs. Kahn said that the store fronts will contain great detail, with a metal façade.

Some Gay Street and Church Street parking places will be lost for about a year, with day or nighttime road closures on Church Street limited to three hours per day.

Courthouse Alley would be widened by five feet for easier delivery vehicle access.

Borough ordinances require setting aside 2 percent for open space, or in this case, dedicating 430 square feet. Kahn said he could meet the requirement, but would prefer not to. Kahn asked for the $40,000 fee in lieu of to be waived.

“We feel like we’re creating an entity that the public will have access to although it is privately owned,” Kahn said. “This needs to be maintained at a much higher level than anything in the borough.

“We’re putting our money where our mouth is.”

Kahn also resubmitted a regular request for the borough to set aside up to 60 parking spaces in Lot 10 on Chestnut Street.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Plans call for a 44,000 square foot mixed used building at the Mosteller site.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Builder Eli Kahn’s planned structure at the Mosteller site.

SUBMITTED PHOTO An artist’s representation of planned construction at the corner of Gay and Church streets.