Council OKs amendment allowing taller, garden-style buildings at Prairie Queen

The Papillion City Council on July 15 unanimously approved a second amendment to the Prairie Queen Mixed‑Use Development Agreement that modifies building-height and design limitations to allow taller, garden‑style residential buildings and a wider range of unit floor plans.

Why it matters: The amendment changes language in the mixed‑use agreement that previously limited buildings to three stories in the affected block; the change is intended to allow the developer to build a product with different unit sizes and rent price points, which the developer and staff said will broaden housing choices at Prairie Queen.

Developer presentation Laura Tarpinia, representing the applicant, told the council the change responds to her architect’s design criteria and allows a building type they have built previously — a four‑story structure and garden‑style elevator buildings — which will let them offer unit-square‑footage options larger than the industry average. She said that existing units at Prairie Queen average about 1,276 square feet while the industry average is roughly 895 square feet, and that the amendment lets the developer expand available floor plans and rent ranges.

Council reaction and vote Council members asked whether the market can absorb the proposed product. Staff and the applicant said they expect demand; Councilman Montgomery said the amendment retains varied housing types and “moves it a little further away from the standard 3‑story apartment complex” into a more residential appearance. The council approved Resolution R250139 by unanimous voice vote (7–0).

Next steps With the amendment approved, the developer may proceed with design work consistent with the amended agreement and follow the city’s building permit and site‑plan review processes.