Two years after the Lakehouse Academy first opened its doors, owner Jon Leidersdorff will begin growing the business.
Monday the Planning Board granted site plan approval – the last Leidersdorff needed to expand his teaching school, rehearsal, and recording studio spaces. It came just days after the City Council approved a use amendment to allow the expansion into the neighboring three-story building that has remained vacant for years.
The amendment, similar to one obtained in 2011 for Leidersdorff current business, was needed because the academy and recording studios are not permitted in the city’s Central Business District Redevelopment area where the properties sit.
The vacant building is being subdivided with Leidersdorff purchasing the portion of the structure west of the existing Lakehouse.
Plans include keeping the first floor as retail and restaurant space, expanding the existing music academy and recording studio use on the second floor, and opening the third floor as a space for businesses, architect James Watt has said.
“It’s a bit of a puzzle but it all works together without any conflict,” architect James Watt said.
The expansion includes matching the new building’s stark white façade to the current Lakehouse property’s red brick exterior and adding two internal cross easements for travel between the two buildings. There will be two stairwells, one in the front and one in the back, as well as an elevator, Watt said.
The Planning Board’s site plan approval included updating utility services and a sign waiver to accommodate three businesses.
“This is a nice project that will fill in the last bad eyesore on Lake Avenue,” Planning Board Vice Chair Sara Anne Towery.
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