Development of Dornoch II 1/2 will involve taking down four buildings along East Cherry Street instead of renovating them.

City Planner Lenore Slothower said during a Planning Board meeting last month that once the structural integrity of the buildings is examined, developer Dornoch determined it would be cost-prohibitive to rehabilitate. The Beverage Shop (photo, far right) and the three buildings to the left all had individual overlays, she added, and the plan is to construct a new building with four separate storefronts significantly like the existing buildings.

The 4-story project, with 100 to 150 units, is expected to begin early next year, said Thomas March, executive vice president of development for Dornoch. “There are unique construction management issues because it’s a small property. It’s not your typical building,” he said at last month’s meeting. The application still has to come before the Planning Board.

Meanwhile, March reported that construction of The Savoy (Dornoch I), a 36-unit development at Main and Monroe streets, is well under way with a foundation expected this week and completion anticipated in 10 to 11 months, depending on weather. Dornoch also is responsible for The Westbury (Dornoch II), a 200-plus unit project with 324-space parking deck, across Main Street from The Savoy.