Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic School Mixed Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning staff recommends approval to convert former Hotchkiss Elementary into mixed-use development
Summary
Flex Enterprises Lehi seeks conditional-use approval to renovate the former Hotchkiss Elementary (33 Dorcas Avenue) into commercial space and 10 apartments; planning staff and commission recommended approval with conditions including litter control and exterior preservation.
Planning staff recommended approval of a conditional-use permit to convert the former Hotchkiss Elementary School at 33 Dorcas Avenue into a mixed-use building containing retail/flex space, an event center and 10 apartments on the second floor.
Mike Antonucci of the city planning department told the committee the developer, Flex Enterprises Lehi, intends to preserve architectural character—entryways, arched windows, hardwood floors and exposed beams—while renovating the two-story brick structure. The first floor would contain two commercial/flex spaces including an event center; the second floor would be renovated into 10 apartments.
Antonucci said the parcel is approximately 5.26 acres and the building footprint is about 5,000 square feet per floor (roughly 10,000 square feet total). The property has been vacant since October 2019 and was listed on the city's vacant building registry; the petitioner has begun exterior work including painting and plans to replace windows and exterior doors.
Goodyear Heights neighborhood concerns were raised by Ward Councilor Connor, who drove the site and reported debris, clothing and evidence of people staying around rear stairs and property perimeter. Connor asked the petitioner to ensure the entire property is kept clear of trash and litter during renovation. Planning staff responded that one of the approval conditions requires the property to be kept free of trash and litter during construction.
Other audience members asked about square footage and ownership; planning staff confirmed the parcel area, the building footprint and that the site is privately owned and being redeveloped by the petitioner.
Planning staff and the planning commission recommended conditional approval subject to standard conditions including site cleanup, window and door replacement and other exterior and interior renovations to meet code. No votes were taken in committee; the petitioner was invited to return for the 5 p.m. council session where the committee will make its recommendation to the full council.
