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Officials back 680 South Avenue plan; floodplain, parking and financing noted as hurdles
Summary
Councilors and staff described a 51-unit project planned at 680 South Avenue, near the Price Right supermarket, that a developer intends to build to passive-house standards; staff said the site is in a flood zone, which increases costs and regulatory hurdles, and noted limited nearby property values and parking pressures.
City housing staff and councilors described a proposed 51-unit, four-story residential project at 680 South Avenue — directly across from the Price Right supermarket — saying the developer intends to build to passive-house standards and that the project would complement planned bus rapid transit along South Avenue.
The council heard that the site is in a flood zone and that building there adds cost and regulatory hurdles. Commissioner Matt O'Jay said, “No one wants to build in a flood plain because it's extra money, it's extra work, you've got more hurdles to jump through,” and added that the site’s proximity to a full-service grocery store, transit and other nearby amenities strengthens the project’s case.
Staff described the developer, identified in the discussion as Keenan with support from Trinity, as experienced and said Trinity will back the proposal. The council noted the project’s potential to raise nearby property values and to provide community amenities such as elevators and on-site amenity space. One staff speaker said the project “is gonna be built, I believe, to passive house standards.”
Panelists stressed that floodplain work takes more time and money and that fewer developers are willing to take on such sites without public subsidies or other support. Councilors and staff said they had been in regular communication with state housing agencies and expected the developer to submit its application by the state deadline that day. No formal council action was taken during the update.
Less central details discussed included building massing (four stories above structured parking), the presence of nearby Jubilee Park and restaurants, and that mixed-use ground-floor commercial space can take many years to fill even after residential construction is complete. Staff noted there will likely be some on-site parking but did not specify the exact number of parking spaces in the proposal.
City staff said they will circulate application letters that applicants transmit to the mayor’s office once submissions are filed, and they will continue coordinating with state reviewers on financing and underwriting matters.
