Commission approves rezoning to allow adaptive reuse of historic church at 1401 15th Street

The Zoning Commission voted 4-0-1 to approve a map amendment rezoning a historic church building and its adjacent residence to the ARTS‑3 zone to allow adaptive reuse for nonreligious commercial and limited residential uses.

Commissioner Wright summarized the case, saying the rezoning would enable adaptive reuse while preserving the building’s exterior and as much interior fabric “as is possible.” Wright noted prior attempts to rehouse a church use in the structure had failed and argued adaptive reuse could secure long-term preservation. “We really believe that adaptive reuse is the best way to preserve historic structures that, for whatever reason, cannot be put to their original use,” Wright said.

Office of Planning staff clarified that IZ Plus does not automatically apply to this map amendment because the ARTS‑3 zoning does not permit a higher maximum FAR than the existing zone and the historic site limits expansion beyond the existing building envelope; Office of Planning therefore recommended IZ Plus not apply. The commission agreed that any changes would be subject to review by the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB).

Commissioner Wright moved to approve Zoning Commission Case No. 24‑16 (MR 1401 Fifteenth Street Veil LLC map amendment, Square 210); the motion passed 4-0-1 with Commissioner Stidham not present. The commission instructed that future alterations remain subject to HPRB review to ensure compatibility and preservation.

This action rezones a single property to permit adaptive reuse under ARTS‑3 standards; zoning changes and any specific design work will proceed through the normal HPRB and permit review processes.