Martin and Merritt Hotel and Residence
The Stark Implications of Non-Approval: Risks to Our Community's Future
A Critical Juncture for WeHo's Future
Hi Neighbor -
Let’s talk about the proposed boutique hotel and residences .Our Wedgewood Houston neighborhood stands at a critical juncture. The Martin & Merritt Project is not just a development; it's a carefully crafted vision, born from extensive community dialogue, that will shape our neighborhood's future. This project aligns with WEHO Socials' mission to inform residents with fact-based knowledge to make informed decisions. The implications of its approval—or non-approval—are profound.
Neighborhood Overwhelmingly Supportive: A Testament to Community-Driven Design
The project has been warmly received, particularly by residents nearest the development, reflecting its alignment with community needs and SomeraRoad's unwavering commitment to engagement. This overwhelming support underscores the project's ability to enhance WeHo's unique character while addressing pressing needs.
Project Stats that Impress: Catalyzing Growth and Opportunity
Vibrant Hospitality: 150 hotel rooms to bring vibrancy, visitors, and support local businesses.
·Diverse Housing Options: 190-200 rental units or 150 condominiums, offering diverse housing options to meet evolving community needs.
Thriving Retail Space: 5,000-6,000 sq ft of neighborhood retail space, fostering local commerce and creating jobs.
Efficient Development: A 22-month construction timeline ensuring efficient and responsible progress.
Martin and Merritt Project: Transforming Wedgewood Houston
Comprehensive Neighborhood Benefits Blueprint
Premium Hospitality by Aparium
· Boutique Hotel on Merritt Avenue:
o Introduces Aparium's bespoke hospitality expertise to WeHo, establishing the neighborhood as a destination for discerning travelers.
o Creates specialized employment opportunities for local residents.
o Enhances neighborhood's cultural profile and increases visibility.
o Hotel rooftop amenity deck provides premium guest experiences with panoramic Nashville views.
· Community-Integrated Lobby Design:
o Serves as both hotel reception and neighborhood gathering space.
o Creates a vibrant "third place" for WeHo residents to socialize and connect.
o Encourages authentic cultural exchange between visitors and locals.
o Accessible through concealed garage entrance, maintaining streetscape aesthetics.
Innovative Connectivity Solutions
· Hamilton to Merritt Pedestrian Connection:
o Creates a vital north-south neighborhood connection previously missing.
o Enhances neighborhood walkability, reducing car dependency.
o Improves business access for retail establishments throughout the development.
o Transforms pedestrian experience with wide sidewalks and thoughtful landscaping.
· Sophisticated Parking System:
o Completely concealed underground garage with primary entrance on Martin Street.
o Secondary Hampton driveway access for emergency and delivery vehicles.
o Hampton Avenue cut-in curb parking exclusively for neighborhood use.
o Clear signage and easy access points reduce traffic confusion.
Community-Centric Spaces
· Martin Street Plaza:
o Central gathering hub for community events, farmers markets, and performances.
o Creates dedicated public space enhancing neighborhood identity.
o Promotes social interaction between residents, visitors, and hotel guests.
o Serves as transitional space connecting retail and residential environments.
· Revitalized Alleyway:
o Transforms underutilized urban space into vibrant pedestrian walkway.
o Potential for outdoor seating, pop-up retail, and artistic installations.
o Enhances connectivity between development sections.
o Improves neighborhood safety by activating previously neglected spaces.
· Pocket Park:
o Creates accessible green space in an urban setting.
o Provides environmental benefits through urban heat island reduction.
o Offers contemplative space contrasting with more active plaza areas.
o Enhances property values for surrounding areas.
Architectural Excellence
· Grand Stair:
o Creates dramatic architectural focal point connecting development levels.
o Serves as informal seating and gathering area.
o Enhances pedestrian flow between elevations.
o Provides opportunity for integrated landscaping and lighting features.
· 'Stoop' Access to Residential Units:
o Recalls traditional neighborhood design that fosters community interaction.
o Creates transitional spaces between public and private realms.
o Enhances street-level visual interest and architectural variety.
o Promotes natural surveillance, increasing neighborhood safety.
Historical Integration
· Vintage Millworks Preservation:
o Honors neighborhood's industrial past while embracing its future.
o Creates authentic character impossible to replicate in new construction.
o Attracts creative professionals and businesses valuing historical authenticity.
o Differentiates development from generic urban projects.
Residential Excellence
· Diverse Multi-Family Units:
o Provides varied housing options attracting diverse resident demographics.
o Increases neighborhood density to support local businesses.
o Strategic placement on Martin Street enhances street character.
o Private outdoor terraces for select units create premium living experiences.
· Residential Amenities:
o Rooftop amenity deck with fitness center, pool, and outdoor lounge.
o Outdoor fitness extension creating indoor/outdoor wellness opportunities.
o Private unit courtyards offering exclusive outdoor spaces.
o Premium dog park with synthetic turf for year-round use by WeHo pet families.
Economic Vitality
· Ground Floor Retail:
o Creates vibrant street-level experience activating all sides of development.
o Provides opportunities for local entrepreneurs and businesses.
o Increases neighborhood services and amenities.
o Generates employment opportunities for local residents.
· Street Presence:
o Thoughtful design along Hamilton Avenue, Martin Street, and Merritt Avenue.
o Consistent architectural language creating unified neighborhood aesthetic.
o Privacy screens and fencing providing visual interest while maintaining security.
o Clear identity as Martin & Merritt Hotel & Residence establishing landmark status.
Transformative Impact
This meticulously planned development synthesizes hospitality, residential, retail, and public spaces into a cohesive neighborhood asset that respects WeHo's character while catalyzing its evolution. By addressing connectivity, community needs, aesthetics, and functionality, Martin and Merritt establishes a new standard for neighborhood-integrated urban development in Nashville.
Enhanced Green Space & Community Focus: Investing in WeHo's Quality of Life
· Greener WeHo: Compliance with Metro zoning ordinances ensures a greener WeHo, with a pocket park on Martin Street and public green spaces on Hamilton Street.
· Community Amenities: A fenced dog park on Hamilton Street and thoughtfully designed pathways connecting key streets, fostering community interaction.
Safe and Walkable WeHo: Prioritizing Pedestrian-Friendly Design
· Improved Infrastructure: New sidewalks, street trees, and additional parking enhance safety and walkability.
· Enhanced Connectivity: A mid-block pedestrian connection and public plaza improve neighborhood connectivity, making WeHo more accessible and enjoyable.
Focus on Regulations and Community Safety: Building a Responsible Future
· Strict Safety Standards: Adherence to strict fire safety and stormwater management guidelines ensures community safety.
· Residential Focus: Prohibition of short-term rentals maintains a residential focus, preserving the character of our neighborhood.
Thoughtful Design & Long-Term Commitment: Building a Legacy for WeHo
· Respect for Zoning: Respect for existing zoning guidelines shows commitment to neighborhood aesthetics and regulations.
· Long-Term Investment: A 10-year minimum ownership pledge underscores SomeraRoad's dedication to WeHo's long-term future.
Addressing Concerns & Transparency: A Collaborative Approach
· Responsive Adjustments: Plans have been adjusted based on resident feedback, ensuring minimal disruption during construction.
· Transparent Process: Transparency is maintained with modifications adhering to approved plans without increasing density, ensuring open communication and accountability.
The Stark Implications of Non-Approval: Risks to Our Community's Future
If the Martin & Merritt Project is not approved, we risk:
· Losing a meticulously planned development that directly addresses our community's needs, in favor of potentially less thoughtful, less community-aligned projects.
· Missing a crucial opportunity to revitalize WeHo, enhance green spaces, and improve infrastructure.
· Undermining the momentum of community-driven development and the trust built through extensive dialogue.
· The loss of a large amount of green space and public amenities that are already planned.
· A loss of new infrastructure that will improve the quality of life for all residents.
Your Role in Shaping WeHo's Destiny: Active Engagement is Crucial
We urge you to:
· Stay informed through WEHO Social updates. (Requires WEHO Social Newsletter Subscription)
· Communicate with local officials, emphasizing the project's importance. https://www.wehosocial.org/feedback
· Engage with your neighbors, sharing the vision for a thriving WeHo.
· Resources are available by clicking here.
The Martin & Merritt Project represents a pivotal opportunity to enhance WeHo's vitality, safety, and community spirit. Let's work together to ensure a bright future for our neighborhood.
Meeting notes from latest community meeting: https://www.wehosocial.org/briefings/martin-amp-merritt-
