Where once stood an abandoned gas station, William Lauer, owner of Tekra Partnership, sees a 26,000-square-foot, three-story brick building, built in a style reminiscent of a famed architect's work.
The people of Herndon will also get to see the vision March 11, when the Town Council holds a public hearing on the proposed Herndon Commerce Center. The town's Heritage Preservation Review Board is slated to hold a public hearing the following week.
"It's a replica of Louis Sullivan's clock tower with brick all around and medallions over the windows," said Lauer.
The top two floors of the building, located at 754 Elden St. next to the Ice House Café, will be used for office space, while the bottom floor is reserved for retail. Lauer said the smallest unit available will be about 4,000 square feet with the lower level accommodating two to six uses, depending on size. So far, Tekra Partnership has not gone to market looking for occupants, however, Lauer is confident the building will not sit vacant once constructed.
"It will be for sale or lease under a condo regime," Lauer said of the units. "I'm not worried. For this kind of space, there is interest, especially since the occupants can buy the units. A great number of people find that attractive. We're talking a small amount of space, which is a lot different from trying to do 50,000-square-feet to a high-tech user."
Lauer also said the building's height is below the town's code standards and the Herndon Municipal Center will remain the tallest fixture downtown. Lauer said once the project is approved by the town's appropriate boards, it should only take about nine months to construct. He hopes to break ground in May. The town's Planning Commission approved the project Feb. 3.
The council's public hearing begins at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, in the Council's Chambers, 765 Lynn St. The Heritage Preservation Review Board's public hearing is Monday, March 17, at 7:00 p.m., also in the Council's Chambers.