Planning Commission approves Ardent Real Estate rezoning on Armstrong Avenue

The Planning Commission voted to approve a rezoning request from Ardent Real Estate Group to change a 0.88‑acre undeveloped parcel on the east side of Armstrong Avenue from C‑4 Commercial District to M‑3 Multiple‑Family Dwelling District.

Staff told commissioners the site lies about a quarter mile west of the Wanamaker Corridor, is undeveloped and is designated “office” on the future land‑use map but may be appropriate for medium‑density residential as a transition from commercial uses. The applicant described the request as a speculative rezone with no specific development plan attached and said the intent is to allow multifamily residential uses.

Walker Bassett, representing Ardent Real Estate Group, told the commission, “We need housing and more multifamily,” and said the proposed rezoning ties to other multifamily work the company is doing nearby.

There was no public testimony on the item. Commissioner Cowell said the proposal is consistent with the comprehensive plan and the 2020 housing study; he said he would support approval. Following a motion and a second, the roll call recorded six votes in favor and one opposed (Commissioner Pearson opposed). The commission chair declared the motion carried.

Key details from the staff presentation: the site is approximately 0.88 acres; surrounding zoning includes C‑4 to the north and east, O&I2 to the south and a PUD with N‑2 uses and a retirement home to the west. Staff recommended approval of M‑3; the applicant previously had applied for M‑2 and revised the proposal.

Outcome: Rezoning approved; no development plan was attached to the rezoning application. Any future development will require the usual building permits and code compliance.