SEBASTIAN — Flowers aren’t the only new growth heralding spring in Sebastian this year: At long last, several major construction projects are finally under way as well, as growth resumes and the city continues to regain its economic health.
On Indian River Drive, dirt has finally been turned at Capt. Hiram’s, with utilities work underway for a 2-story, 16-unit motel on a .28-acre portion of Hiram’s Indian River Drive Oyster Bay Condominium property, on the west side of Indian River Drive across from Hiram’s restaurant and marina.
The long-delayed project was first designed in 2011 but the still shaky economy prevented further work at that time.
In December 2013, things were looking up when the Sebastian Board of Adjustment granted Sebastian Inlet Marina & Trading Co. (AKA Capt. Hiram’s) six variances, mostly relating to parking issues, to make the project more viable and move it forward.
But then local businessman Damien Gilliams launched a legal challenge asserting technical flaws in the approval process that effectively stopped the project for more than a year.
When Gilliam’s’ final appeal was denied earlier this year, the developer was, at long last, able to break ground.
Mickey Capp, one of Capt. Hiram’s owners and the project contractor, was on site last week, watching heavy equipment scoop out trenches.
“We’re kicking it off today,” he said.
Water and sewer lines are going in, as well as the Fire Department-required sprinkler system.
The concrete and steel foundation work, should get started around mid-April and, shortly after that, walls will start going up.
The target for completion, said Capp, is “the first or second week in January 2016.”
Farther south, at Riverview Park, a parking lot project is well under way, the outcome of an unusual partnership between the city and River Park Plaza developer Joe Cataldo, who is making improvements on City property at his own expense for mutual benefit.
In February, Cataldo was approved for a “major site modification” that will increase parking space for his property as well as the adjacent city-owned park, utilizing an unimproved grassy field currently used for overflow and event parking.
The unique project includes 28 paved parking spaces on city property, and six paved spaces on the Plaza property at Harrison Street and U.S. 1.
The 28 new spaces at the park will remain public parking, but will also be available to Plaza customers.
P&Z Commission Chair Ed Dodd called the plan “a great public/private partnership.”
If the weather cooperates, the parking lot is expected to reach completion within a couple of weeks.
A third project, called Pelican Landing, got underway earlier this month.
On Mar. 11, representatives of Watercrest Senior Living Group of Vero Beach, Walker and Co. Construction and MBV Engineering joined city officials to break ground for the 65,000-sq-ft, 89-unit senior living community located in “the heart of Sebastian,” at 13085 U.S. 1, in the northern Riverfront District, near Sebastian River Medical Center.
Pelican Landing will feature 63 assisted- living and 26 memory care apartments.
The facility will provide specialized programs and personalized care, as well as a comprehensive memory care program designed to “engage the senses, expand the mind, and enhance the emotions of the residents,” guided by Certified Dementia Specialists.
Principal and CEO Marc Vorkapich stated, “We believe our residents deserve the same elegance and luxury they enjoyed living independently. We look forward to providing seniors of Sebastian outstanding care and services . . . in their local community.”
Pelican Landing is expected to open in the spring of 2016.
