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Hotel DeMond developer wins two-year PUD extension to begin construction by 2027
Summary
The board approved an extension of the planned unit development for 726 and 734 DeMond Avenue through April 2027 after the property owner said additional time is needed for final construction drawings, tenant coordination and financing.
The Board of Aldermen unanimously approved an extension to the planned unit development (PUD) approval for 726 and 734 DeMond Avenue — the Hotel DeMond project — extending the PUD and related plat approvals through April 23, 2027.
City staff told the board the PUD and consolidation plat, which were approved April 23, 2024, were set to expire April 23, 2025. The developer requested a two-year extension to obtain construction permits and begin construction; staff recommended approval because the owner occupies the property, the buildings remain leased, and staff was not aware of any change in circumstances that would make the approved use inappropriate.
Property owner and project representative Ellen Reed described the work completed to date and outlined the next steps: selecting a restaurant partner, completing full building construction drawings with Core 10 (estimated six months), finalizing interior design (another six months), securing construction pricing (three to six months) and completing financing, appraisals and permits (an additional three to six months). Reed said the timeline makes the requested two-year extension reasonable and that she has maintained ground-floor uses, including an operating laundromat, during the preconstruction period.
Planning staff said prior PUD extensions commonly were for one year but that the ordinance allows flexibility; the board considered the project’s occupancy and the owner’s intent in granting the longer extension. Aldermen praised the project as a good reuse and asked about tenant leases, impact on parking agreements and whether the extension would leave the street or retail inactive; Reed said she has worked to keep ground-floor commercial active and had varied-term leases that align with the development timeline.
Bill 7063 authorizes an extension of the PUD approval (previously authorized by Ordinance 6879) through April 2027 and related actions. The board gave unanimous consent to consider and adopt the bill the same night and approved it by roll call.
Planning staff will continue to review building permit submissions once the developer files for construction permits and will report back on any changes that would affect land-use suitability.
