Wesley Theological Seminary seeks campus‑plan approval for new student housing; commission limits some discussion to further processing

Wesley Theological Seminary asked the Zoning Commission to approve a revised campus plan that would demolish two existing residence halls and the president’s house, construct a new student residence building sited on the current surface parking lot, and add landscaping, a community playground and streetscape improvements along University Avenue.

Chairman Anthony Hood opened the virtual hearing and repeatedly instructed parties and the applicant to limit their remarks to the campus plan itself, saying, “We are not hearing any further processing this evening,” and directing that detailed proposals for off‑site inclusionary zoning or an alternate financial contribution be reserved for a further‑processing case for the proposed student housing building.

The seminary’s president, Robert McAllister Wilson, told the commission the campus plan—titled “thrive in place”—is intended to secure the institution’s long‑term presence in the city and to support its educational and outreach activities. Wilson and Reverend Dr. Anthony Sinkfield described a rise in enrollment and student demand for affordable, modern housing and said the plan would allow Wesley to continue its programs and community services.

Landmark Properties, the proposed developer, and the project team presented details of the revised proposal. The new building is described as 659 beds (various unit sizes) with a five‑ to seven‑story stepped massing, a tallest point of roughly 74 feet 8 inches, and two levels of below‑grade parking (approximately 264 spaces) with 77 spaces designated as Wesley replacement parking.…