The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting gave conditional approval for the Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach with only a couple of minor changes required. The developers were ordered to make changes to “soften the appearance of the tower and reduce its apparent mass” before they are allowed to proceed. However, the 37-story tower will be allowed to be built with its long axis parallel to the mountains and ocean along Kuhio Avenue. Developer PACREP will have up to two years to submit new plans for the exterior of the building.
Last month at the project drew strong community opposition at several public hearings that the Department of Planning and Permitting held. Many residents were unhappy with the appearance of the building and more importantly felt that the orientation of the building violated the Waikiki Special District Design guidelines. Those opposed to the Ritz-Carlton orientation stated that the building’s long axis should be perpendicular to the mountains and ocean to preserve mountain views and natural ventilation. In response to these statements, the Department of Planning and Permitting stated, “Those who have commented about the project that a mauka-makai building tower orientation is virtually required by the (Waikiki Special District) are actually incorrect since it is only and explicitly just a guideline.”
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 3-20-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
