Fernandina Beach's Historic District Council unanimously approved the Amelia Wharf waterfront development on its third hearing, attaching conditions that require changes before the project can break ground.

The 28,316-square-foot mixed-use complex at 0 N. Front St., planned for one of the few remaining undeveloped riverfront properties near downtown, would bring a restaurant, retail shops, outdoor dining, a welcome center and eventual marina services to the Amelia River waterfront north of Brett's Waterway Cafe.

The Sept. 18 vote came on the same plans the council deadlocked over in August, when a motion to approve with conditions failed 3-3. This time, all members voted yes. But they imposed five conditions requiring the developer to minimize mechanical screening above the height limit, keep the observation tower within Florida Building Code Group U classification, reduce the main roof and mechanical penthouse extending above the 30-foot limit, incorporate southeastern coastal and industrial architectural elements, and provide renderings showing the building in context with surrounding waterfront structures, as first reported by the Fernandina Observer. The News-Leader also covered the vote.

A central sticking point has been the project's proposed 63-foot observation tower, which exceeds the Community Redevelopment Area's general 30-foot height limit above base flood elevation. HDC Chairman James Pozzetta said the tower is essential to the project but must meet Group U classification, which covers utility and miscellaneous structures and can qualify for a height exception. The city building official will make the final determination.

"I think the tower is a super key ingredient to the success of this project," Pozzetta said at the Sept. 18 hearing. "So I think if and when we make a motion, the motion's probably going to contain language that says it has to be 100% U for the tower itself."

Pozzetta also pushed the developer to move mechanical equipment beneath two prominent gables to reduce the elevated roof section that runs the full length of the building. He said the change would help break up the building's apparent mass.

Council member Veronica Byrnes said the design should draw more from Fernandina Beach's working-waterfront history, including the shrimping, shipping and lumber industries.

Developer Ron Flick of Compass Group Development said pedestrians would still be able to travel north and south along the waterfront boardwalk even when the commercial portions of Amelia Wharf are closed. Plans show 15 parking spaces and one loading space.

Conceptual approval does not authorize construction. The project must next go through the city's Technical Review Committee site-plan process, which will include a traffic study, pedestrian circulation plan, environmental review and verification of permits from agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After that review, Amelia Wharf must return to the HDC for final approval before the developer can apply for building permits. No date for the next HDC review has been set.