New plans for former "BoilerCribs" property

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Less than 3 months after elected officials denied approval for a large planned development across the street from Purdue, the developer is back.

While some parts to the proposal for the property formerly known as BoilerCribs and then Landmark haven't changed, several have significantly changed.

It's one of two developments under review by area planners.

Back in February, the Area Plan Commission denied the proposal by a vote of 13 to 1, many expressing concerns with the lack of parking and the design.

"The city can take its time and be very discriminating on projects. Knowing that if they let one go that they are not comfortable with, there's going to be somebody right behind the other guy,” said Ryan O’Gara, Area Plan Commission Assistant Director.

It turns out the somebody else is the same developer and it only took 2 and a half months.

"That was the heart of our argument for denial was this site is special enough and significant enough that it's worth waiting for a better project,” said O’Gara.

The only name for the latest plans is the address, 720 Northwestern Avenue.

In some ways, the new plans are similar to the old. 6 stories with the first floor designed to be commercial space and 250 apartment units above.

But the design is different.

New plans have the building sitting back further from the street and with a facade that's a lot less glass and a lot more brick.

There's also fewer bedrooms with 558 instead of 600.

"I think it just shows you what a popular site it is...they don't want to miss this chance,” said O’Gara.

But perhaps parking design changes are the most significant.

Plans show two levels of underground parking instead of one with 502 spaces instead of 295.

"We don't have an official position on it yet. We'll be reviewing it but definitely moving forward, We're delighted to see such a substantial improvement on the parking,” said O’Gara.

Nearby, on Purdue's campus, just west of Ross-Ade stadium, a different developer has submitted plans for a 4-story apartment building on this wooded lot on Hilltop Drive.

Plans call for 32 units,118 bedrooms and 46 parking spaces with the project designed to cater to international students.

"On the surface, what they are proposing is completely reasonable. So we just want to make sure there's an appropriate balance, with, again, the parking."

The name of the second proposal is Crosswalk Commons.

Area planners will be reviewing both sets of plans and meeting with the respective developers in coming weeks.

The earliest either could go before the Area Plan Commission is June, but if changes are recommended, that may take longer.