A new apartment complex could be constructed on campus after a city design commission approved the initial plans for the project Wednesday along with reviewing two other downtown projects.
The Urban Design Commission heard development plans for the Dayton Square remodel, which would create a 317-unit apartment complex, located at 415 W. Johnson St., 226 N. Broom St. and 424 W. Dayton St., geared towards students.
Overall, the project received positive feedback but Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, pointed out one concern.
“The one misgiving I have is the recognition that the apartments being replaced are fairly affordable units by downtown standards and rents will likely increase in the new building,” Verveer said.
The UDC granted The Dayton Square plan initial approval but the project developer, Eric Lawson, will present to the Plan Commission and City Council sometime within the next month to seek approval to begin construction, according to Verveer.
The UDC also heard a modified proposal to use less expensive materials on the balconies of a 59-unit apartment building under construction at 211 South Bedford Street.
Construction will continue as scheduled, despite the UDC denying the request for modified balconies.
The UDC also saw an informational presentation for an addition to Freethought Hall, an office building for the anti-religion progressive organization, Freedom From Religion Foundation, which would require the demolition of a six-unit apartment building at 10 and 12 N. Henry St.
Bill Mantelbano, the architect of the project, said his main focus is restoring the more than 100 year old original stone of the current Freethought Hall since community members raised concerns about preserving the building’s history at a previous meeting.
UDC members also focused their concerns on the visual exterior of the building.
Mantelbano will have to make modifications to the project and appear in front of the UDC again for final approval before any further action can be taken.
