Planning Commission recommends development certificate and waivers for Rosna Theatre conversion to boxing center

The Planning Commission recommended City Council approve a development certificate and associated waivers for the Rosna Theatre (30 Fifth Street) to allow conversion of the historic theater building to a boxing center with a two‑story elevator addition and restored marquee signage.

Faith (planning/design staff) reviewed the project in the Park Place Historic District, noting the building is a contributing structure (construction dates cited from the National Register nomination) and that the applicant proposes an elevator addition at the rear east elevation, brick veneer to match the existing facade and replication/renovation of the historic marquee with neon lettering. The Architectural Review Board considered the project and recommended approval at its January 6 and January 21 meetings after the applicant confirmed no vitrolite existed beneath the metal paneling and proposed spandrel glass as an alternative material.

Architect Andrew McKinley described the elevator, glazing and signage materials and said the project will restore historic appearance while adding accessible circulation. Staff noted several PCO (pedestrian commercial overlay) development standards require waivers — notably ground‑floor transparency, landscaping and signage square footage. The package requests the minimum waivers necessary to preserve the historic façade while meeting code requirements.

Neighbors raised parking and property‑ownership concerns. Janice Buggs, representing New Hope Church of God in Christ, said the church owns adjacent lots and has invested in its properties for decades: “We’ve owned and worked on this place for 30 years,” Buggs said, and asked about parking access and how the project might affect the church. Planning staff explained the city owns nearby off‑street lots planned for future parking and that deviceable parking arrangements are being coordinated; one city‑owned lot (640 30th/5th Street) contains existing mechanical equipment and will be part of the overall site description but is not being transferred as property in this action.

Planning staff recommended approval and stressed the project aligns with the 30 Fifth Street PCO and the city’s comprehensive plan. The commission moved to recommend approval of the development certificate for the Rosna Theatre at 626, 628 and 640 30 Fifth Street, subject to the waivers identified in the staff report. The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council because waivers are required for development‑certificate approval.