City officials gave final approval to two proposed downtown buildings and postponed further discussion on one building at a meeting Wednesday.
The Urban Design Commission approved a 12-story, student-oriented apartment complex at 313 and 315 N. Frances St. that would require the demolition of two residential buildings.
The first floor of the complex would be commercial space, with the rest of the building consisting of apartment units as well as a study room and outdoor terrace on the 10th floor.
After hearing staff feedback, J. Randolph Bruce, managing member of Knothe & Bruce Architects, the building’s designer, added more moped and bicycle parking, as well as created covered outdoor seating by the sidewalk.
Although building requirements in the area have a maximum height restriction of 10 stories, UDC chairperson R. Richard Wagner supported a plan for 12 stories.
“In my mind, this project certainly has better architecture than some of the existing 12-story buildings in that area,” Wagner said, referring to structures which were built before changes to the restrictions.
The commission also approved a five-story, student-oriented apartment building at 202 and 210 N. Bassett St. as well as 512 and 520 W. Dayton St.
Also designed by Knothe & Bruce Architects, this structure would require the demolition of current buildings on the site. The apartment complex would consist of 75 units and offer 61 underground parking spaces.
Both projects must receive approval from the Plan Commission Dec. 17 and the City Council in January before construction can begin, according to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4.
The UDC also discussed a proposed eight-story apartment building on 145 Iota Ct. and 619 and 625 Henry St., as well as the addition of two stories to a neighboring building
Construction would require the demolition of two buildings on a national historic register, which has led to negative feedback.
The UDC referred the proposal to the Plan Commission, whose duty includes determining whether or not a building can be demolished, according to Wagner.
“[This way], the demolition issue can be dealt with before we try to work out any design issues on a project that might not even happen,” he said.
