Brentwood Town Center Plan takes another swing

Town Center plan on table tonight

Brentwood commission denied Crabtree's initial office-retail proposal

By CHARLES BOOTH

BRENTWOOD — The city's first major redevelopment plan for the Town Center district is going back before the Brentwood Planning Commission tonight, two months after it was originally denied.

In July, David Crabtree of Brookside Properties presented a plan for a 20,000-square-foot office and retail development at the corner of Franklin Road and Town Center Way. The project was expected to cost between $8 million and $9 million, with Pinnacle Financial Partners as its main occupant.

After a long and lugubrious meeting, the commission voted 4-4, denying Crabtree's proposal. But, realizing the importance of such a project, the commission soon voted 8-0 to invite him back, and he intends to be there tonight.

"We hope we will get it approved," Crabtree said. "There are 10 commissioners, but only eight voted last time. There will be 10 this time. The city can decide."

Crabtree said Brookside has made more than 20 design changes from the original plan, following feedback from the Planning Commission, though the project still resembles what was presented in July.

"They're not changing an awful lot," City Commissioner Betsy Crossley said. "They made a change to the exterior. They've closed down one of the openings on Franklin Road. They've made the arrangements, which is good."

The original plan included a curb cut on Franklin Road, which has now been eliminated.

During the July meeting, some commissioners expressed concern that the project didn't fit in with the area's intended design.

Brentwood's planning staff asked Earl Swensson Associates, the city's architectural consultant, to review the submitted drawings, and that firm found them to conform with the Town Center's C-4 zoning.

There were also complaints about the building's roof.

"It's changed somewhat," said Jeff Dobson, senior city planner. "The roof is still pitched, like the Pinnacle Bank is, but it's not quite as bad."

Earl Swensson's review found that the new roof design, too, meets the C-4 criteria.

"We think it's a beautiful project and great for Brentwood," Crabtree said. "We're very pleased for the design. It's far better than what's currently there."

Three old buildings now sit at the entrance to Franklin Road and Town Center Way.

The Planning Commission will meet at 7 tonight at the Brentwood Municipal Center.