Plan commission approves conditional use for 913–923 South Main apartments and off-site parking plan to support redevelopment

The Oshkosh City Plan Commission voted 9-0 to approve a conditional use permit to convert 913 South Main Street and construct a new four‑story building at 923 South Main Street into apartments with mixed unit sizes and street‑level live‑work space, and separately approved a general development plan for an off‑site parking lot that will provide 14 uncovered spaces to support the development.

Staff described the project as a redevelopment of two adjacent parcels in the Sawdust District: a three‑story historic retail building at 913 South Main (built in 1895) and a second parcel at 923 South Main proposed for demolition and replacement with a four‑story apartment building. The plan for 913 South Main would convert storefront areas to "live‑work" units designed to be convertible back to full commercial uses if market conditions change. The combined project would include a mix of studio, one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom loft‑style units, a new elevator connecting the buildings, bike storage, covered and uncovered parking, and a rear alley access drive. Staff noted that the project previously had two conditional use approvals that expired and the current application renews and expands the scope to improve viability for tax‑credit financing.

Applicant Todd Hutchison of Wisconsin Redevelopment told the commission the approvals are needed to pursue affordable‑housing tax credits. "In order to apply to WIDA, you have to have the zoning in place," Hutchison said, explaining the project scored more favorably in the current tax‑credit round and that expanding the project improves cost efficiency. He described prior attempts to secure credits and the multi‑step application process and said the project team expects to proceed with full design and tax‑credit application steps if zoning approvals are in hand.

Staff recommended multiple conditions before permits: combine the two parcels with a certified survey map; return to the commission for a Special Area Design review of exterior facades; submit full site‑plan (SIP) materials including a stormwater plan to meet Chapter 14 requirements; provide a final landscape and photometric lighting plan; and demonstrate evidence of 14 additional parking stalls within 1,000 feet of the building as required by condition 6.

During deliberations commissioners praised the project for historic building rehabilitation and for providing affordable housing in the Sawdust District. Council member Nichols said the development "is exactly what we need in this area" and noted the potential to place residents near jobs and retail. Commissioners also discussed facade design, the need for the design review to achieve compatibility with the historic building, and parking logistics. Staff confirmed the total unit count discussed in the meeting was 47 units and noted an on‑site parking count that will require supplemental spaces as a condition of approval.

The plan commission voted 9-0 to approve the conditional use permit with staff conditions and separately approved the general development plan for the 14‑space off‑site parking lot. Final building facades, parking details, signage, landscaping and stormwater will be reviewed during the SIP and Special Area Design Review processes and before building permits are issued.