Zoning Commission approves modification to convert three office floors to housing at Square 26

The Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to approve final action on a modification to a Planned Unit Development that converts the second through fourth floors of an existing building at Square 26 from office use to residential.

Commissioner Wright said the change "is a pretty straightforward case" and described the conversion as "a positive thing to happen" given the city's housing goals. Office of Planning recommended approval in its report at Exhibit 5, and the applicant provided architectural plans showing only minor exterior changes to windows and balcony railings.

The commission noted that ANC 2A had not filed a report because it currently lacks a quorum. Staff reported an absentee ballot from Commissioner Stidham in favor, "approved with such conditions as the commission may impose." Commissioners voiced that no hearing was necessary because the proposal involves minimal exterior changes and is principally a use change that aligns with the Comprehensive Plan's housing objectives.

Commissioner Wright moved approval of Zoning Commission Case No. 88-02A7K2401LLC; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with Commissioners Wright, Imamura, Hood, Miller and an absentee ballot from Stidham recorded in favor. The commission asked the applicant to provide an order within two weeks.

The action was limited to amending the PUD to change the permitted use on specified floors; no additional public testimony was taken at the meeting and no separate mitigation conditions were recorded in the hearing transcript.

A copy of the Office of Planning report and the applicant's architectural plans are in the case record for further detail.