Could a New Office Building Be on the Way for the Rail District?

The large vacant lot at the far end of Lincoln may soon see some development, after the Planning Board gave their approval for a project some call "very important" for the Rail District.

Last week, the Planning Board approved the final plans for an 8,260 square-foot dental office to be built at the far eastern end of Lincoln Road in Birmingham's Rail District.

The six acre lot on Lincoln — near the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena, the Goldfish Swim School and Kenning Park — is the former site of the Stanley Door industrial complex.

Plans to build condos and a baseball complex for Brother Rice fell through in 2005 and 2010, respectively.

According to plans initially presented in September 2012, the proposed one-story dental office and surrounding parking lot is designed by Victor Saroki, of the Birmingham-based Victor Saroki & Associates. There are plans for a dentist, orthodontist and oral surgeon to move into the building.

The majority of the site — particularly the parcel south of Lincoln — would remain vacant and open to further development while a large part of the property will go toward building a road connecting East Lincoln to Cole Street.

Before beginning construction, however, the group will have to receive a Special Land Use Permit from the Birmingham City Commission since the proposed office is more than 6,000 square feet. According to Planning Director Jana Ecker, if the project is approved, the city will also have to pay for a portion of the new road.

Despite earlier concerns about the building not being mixed use and a "sea of parking," Planning Board members unanimously approved the plans last week.

"It's very important for thise part of the Rail District," said Planning Board Chairman Robin Boyle. "Though, the building itself is a lot more modest than what we would ideally like."