Provo City Planning Commission members voted unanimously Aug. 13 to approve a project plan for a commercial remodel and residential addition at 71 East Center Street, a locally landmarked downtown property.

The project converts the burned former Los Armanos building into mixed use, keeping the historic exterior appearance along the street by stepping back any construction above the second story 20 feet, a condition imposed by the city’s Landmarks review and carried into the staff recommendation. Aaron Ardmore, a city planner presenting the item, said the proposal meets the DT‑1 zoning standards and has received CRC (concept review committee) approval.

The commission’s action lets the developer move forward with final permits after staff conditions are satisfied. Aaron Ardmore told the commission parking for the new residential units will be provided in the nearby Wells Fargo garage; the city’s Redevelopment Agency has allocated parking spaces there for the project. The applicant, Phil Warner, said the building’s main level is expected to house a commercial tenant in the future and that the residential units will be offered for sale. “They are for sale units,” Warner said.

Commissioners raised practical questions about long‑term use and market effects. Commissioner Lisa Jensen asked whether the Landmarks Commission has authority over interior changes; Ardmore clarified the landmarks review is limited to exterior elements. Several commissioners asked whether the city code can restrict short‑term rentals or permit a single entity to buy all the units; Warner said he was unaware of restrictions, and Ardmore said the city code does not require limitations on sales or short‑term rentals in that zone.

Design details include rooftop amenity space to meet the DT‑1 10 percent amenity requirement; non‑egress windows that face adjacent properties would be filled in if neighboring development requires. The commission’s approving motion recommended the project plan be approved subject to standard staff conditions; the motion passed unanimously.

The approval allows the applicant to proceed to building permits once required conditions are met, but it does not change any future zoning or impose additional owner‑occupancy or short‑term rental restrictions.