A multifamily development in Downtown’s South End is moving forward.

Elmington Capital Group, doing business as ECG Patterson Development LLC, recently filed a $14.6 million building permit to construct Patterson Flats, a 175-unit apartment complex at 250 E. G.E. Patterson Ave. The permit includes demolishing an existing building; new grading; new utilities; the addition of a parking lot; and construction of four buildings, including a leasing and fitness room.

In February, the Nashville-based developer gained approval from both the Board of Adjustment and the Land Use Control Board of the Memphis-Shelby County Office of Planning and Development for the project.

According to its February application with the Board of Adjustment, Elmington Capital plans to build four, three-story buildings totaling 206,845 square feet. On-site parking includes 125 spaces between the buildings and 35 spaces on the north side of Butler in a separate lot.

At its February meeting, the board of adjustments granted the developer a density variance. South Downtown residential zoning allows 135 units, or 40 units per acre, on a proposed lot. Patterson Flats calls for 52 units per acre.

The lot for Patterson Flats is bordered by G.E. Patterson Avenue to the south, Butler Avenue to the north and Hernando and Abel streets to the east and west. The development cobbles together many parcels, but most of the development would be built on land owned by Mount Olivet Baptist Church and St. Andrew AME Church, with the board of trustees’ co-chair of St. Andrew signing as property owner of record. Both churches have been involved in developing affordable housing across the city.

Hunter Nelson, principal of Elmington Capital, is listed as the applicant in the Board of Adjustment application. According to Elmington’s website, Nelson leads the company’s affordable housing portfolio, which is 4 percent bond financed and 9 percent financed with low-income tax credits. Nelson is responsible for sourcing new construction and leading strategic direction related to affordable housing.

Local firm Shapiro & Co. Architects Inc. and engineering, architecture and consulting firm Fisher Arnold Inc. also are working on the development.