It’s been a year and a half since we first saw an artist’s rendering of Gopal Tower, the five-floor, 22,000-square feet office building that a local doctor plans to build at 625 Washington Avenue—the empty lot across from the post office.
Originally, the building was to be an ultra-modern glass and steel structure that resembled a high-rise Apple Store. Some residents weren’t happy, with one person calling the proposed building “an atrocity.”
The design has changed considerably since then. The latest revisions put the architecture more in line with the surrounding buildings on Washington Avenue, according to borough engineer Joe Sites.
“It’s a very complementary design,” he told council earlier this month. “It’s not a glass palace anymore.”
Along with elements of glass and masonry, there’s a rooftop deck and an inset first floor.
Gopal Real Estate LLC, the firm behind the development, is owned by Dr. Bhola Roy, a physician with an office at 609 Washington Avenue. In 2005, Gopal bought 625 Washington Avenue for $240,000, according to county records.
On Thursday, Aug. 3, the Bridgeville Zoning Hearing Board will conduct a hearing regarding a variance request tied to the project:
Gopal Towers Real Estate, LLC is proposing the construction of a five story 22,000 S.F. office building on the vacant property located at 625 Washington Avenue. The following variance is requested:
Article XI Section 1103 – Off Street Loading – A variance to remove the loading berth as required for a new use as per the Off Street Parking and Loading requirements.
All interested parties are invited to attend.
The hearing starts at 7 p.m. at the borough building.