Board approves two St. Louis Street projects: townhouses and a mixed‑use multifamily building subject to CRC items and DDD considerations

The Board of Adjustment voted to approve two downtown development applications on St. Louis Street, allowing a set of townhouses and a companion mixed‑use multifamily building to proceed subject to final site-plan and CRC (Consolidated Review Committee) considerations. Architect Eric Wadsworth described the townhouse project at 401 Saint Louis Street and a larger three‑story multifamily building on the southeast corner of Saint Louis and North Clairborne Street as complementary projects intended to increase downtown housing. The projects include brick exteriors, iron railings and gallery/frontage types intended to match the corridor’s character. The CRC produced a list of items for the applicants to address; the board approved the variance and told the applicants to complete CRC and DDD (Downtown Development District) requirements or return if changes exceed the approved plans. Why it matters: These approvals authorize downtown housing and mixed‑use development aligned with the city’s focus on reinvigorating St. Louis Street. The board emphasized adherence to downtown materials and frontage standards and clarified the board’s authority to grant variances where CRC items conflict with code requirements. Board process and conditions: The board approved the townhouse project (item 8) and the larger mixed‑use project (item 9) with motions to grant the requested variances and with references to CRC comments. For one item the board asked for care about garage-door materials, noting DDD material restrictions; staff advised that DDD guidelines would be applied during the administrative review. Next steps: Applicants will address CRC comments, finalize elevations and site plans and proceed through administrative review, with the board reiterating that any significant change should return for further consideration.