Downtown apartment complex moves one step closer to final approval
(THE MED CITY BEAT) - The Rochester Planning and Zoning Commission signed off this week on a mixed-use development on the south side of downtown.
The final plan for "501 on First" was approved by a 2-1 vote, with four members abstaining. The project was supported by city staff even though the developer did not meet all 17 conditions laid out by the planning department.
City P&Z recommended approval of final development plan for 501 on 1st. Four of seven commissioners abstained from vote, passed 2-1 #rochmn
— Andrew Setterholm (@pbasetterholm) May 28, 2015
The commission's vote is only a recommendation, meaning it still needs final approval from the city council. Last month, the council approved the developer's request for a $1.7 million incentive package.
Plans call for a five-story building with commercial space at the ground level and 84 apartments in the upper floors. Residential units will be a mix of studios, one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms.
Rendering: 501 on First / City council packet)
According to the developer, the new building will also include a shared fitness room, private storage units for rent and a rooftop patio with an adjacent community room.
The property — home to the former University Village Inn — is located along the south side of 5th Street SW and east of 2nd Ave SW. The motel building still needs to be demolished.
On a related note, the planning and zoning commission rejected a proposal for a Walgreens development in northwest Rochester. The city council struck down a similar plan in December.
#RochMN Planning & Zoning Commission denies proposal for Walgreens development in northwest Rochester neighborhood. http://t.co/qUuW1jyVcb
— KTTC TV (@KTTCTV) May 28, 2015
Featured content:
(Cover graphic: 501 on First / City council packet)
