From Staff Reports

The architect of a controversial proposed condominium development planned for Pack Square said last Wednesday that the building would enhance the park space being renovated in front of it.

Charlotte architect Mark Fishero presented the plan to the Pack Square Conservancy, the nonprofit charged with renovating Pack Square and City-County Plaza.

The proposed Parkside Condominiums would be housed in an 11-story building that adjoins property in front of City Hall.

The plan has drawn criticism because it will incorporate a small tract of park land that was sold by the Buncombe County Commissioners to developer Stewart Coleman.

That tract has a large magnolia tree on it and is part of the land that was donated to the county by George Willis Pack in 1901 for public purposes.

A group of Packís descendents filed a lawsuit on Sept. 29 arguing that the sale of that property to a private developer violates the terms of the donation.

Coleman has proposed a land swap in which one of his companies will give up 3,256 square feet of land now occupied by a portion of the Hayes-Hopson building in exchange for 171 square feet of land adjoining a small plaza in front of City Hall.

The plan also calls for construction of a new road that would connect the building to Spruce Street.

The proposal calls for the first floor of the building to be retail space with three levels of parking below. Plans show a red brick building with light-colored stone on the top and bottom.

The conservancy will hold a public hearing about the proposal later, followed by a meeting of the full board at which a vote will be taken on whether to approve it or not.

However, Coleman will still have to go through the cityís approval process.