A condominium complex with a Longtail-themed 'winged roof' has been proposed on a main road into Hamilton.

Harbour Development has submitted a planning application for a five-storey building, to be built on a car park between the East Broadway Shell Service Station and Hamma Galleries.

But while the development is five storeys high, only one floor will be visible when viewed from the Cavendish Road side, due to the retaining wall along Crow Lane.

'Crow Lane Lofts' consists of eight condos set over four storeys, a ground commercial level and two basement parking storeys, accessible by a vehicle lift.

A new concept to Bermuda, motorists will drive into the vehicle lift from Crow Lane and access the underground levels, thus eliminating the need for ramps.

Developer Rammy Smith says it is most likely the ground floor will be leased to a restaurant, and that public artworks will sit alongside al fresco dining. The proposed building has been designed by Architectural Technologist Warren Green of Entasis Architecture.

Mr. Green was inspired by Bermuda's Longtail to design a 'winged roof' on the upper storey which extends into a pergola.

Mr. Green said: "This area has been zoned Commercial under the Draft Bermuda Plan 2008 and is the new gateway into the city, so we need to make it look nice.

"We're introducing greenery through a roof garden, which will also give residents open space in which to relax, play and have barbecues. There will also be amazing views across the harbour.

"We want to get some local artists to create public artworks, such as carvings or water features, possibly on the Longtail theme."

The eight condos will each feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a powder room, an open space kitchen, dining and living area, plus balcony.

The development will also conform to benchmarks set by the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building system.

"It's going to be as sustainable as possible, with grey water tanks, potable water tanks and low energy consumption," said Mr. Green.

If approved by the Development Applications Board, Mr. Smith says he will market the eight condos to professional workers and families.

"I want to satisfy the need for residential property on the border of the city, and so take some of the strain off the housing shortage," he said. "We want to make Crow Lane Lofts durable and classy."