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Plan proposed for historic Heard House at 429 W. Downer to become 10 apartments; parking and lot-size variances requested
Summary
City planning staff described a conditional-use plan description for the Heard House at 429 West Downer Place to convert a vacant historic lodging house into 10 individual apartments; the item was continued as unfinished and staff noted parking and lot-size variations and an enforcement history as a lodging house.
The council heard a presentation on a conditional-use plan description to convert the historic Heard House at 429 West Downer Place into 10 residential apartments.
Jill Morgan, planner in the Zoning Department, told the council the petitioner proposes 10 apartments in the existing historic structure. “They are proposing 10 apartments,” Morgan said, and staff added that “they are apartments each with their own bathroom and kitchen.” Morgan noted the property is already zoned for multifamily use; the plan description requests small variations from standard lot‑size and unit‑square‑footage rules to permit the 10 units.
Why it matters: Staff said the building previously operated as a lodging house with up to 14 residents and consequently became subject to the city’s lodging-house requirements within the past three to four years. The property is currently vacant, and the proposal is intended to reduce residential density while preserving the building’s historic character.
Parking and conditions: Morgan told the council staff recommended 1.5 parking spaces per unit (rather than the standard two) to avoid constructing a visible rear parking lot that could harm the historic character and push parking onto adjacent properties. Staff also proposed a written condition that would allow the Zoning Administrator to require an increase to two spaces per unit if a parking problem is demonstrated.
Unit mix and interior layout: Staff said the project would contain four one‑bedroom units and six studios; the smallest unit size noted was about 495 square feet. Inspectors and staff worked with the petitioner to reduce density from the previously permitted lodging‑house occupancy to the 10 proposed apartments, each with its own kitchen and bathroom.
Process and outcome: The ordinance establishing the plan description (25Dash0317) was discussed at the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee and was listed as unfinished in the committee summary. At the council meeting staff provided background and the item remained unfinished for additional review; no final council approval occurred during the meeting.
Next steps: The item remains unfinished and will return to the council after staff completes any outstanding technical review and follow‑up.
