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Oak Park panel approves variance to allow smaller one-bedroom units at 21790 Coolidge Highway
Summary
The panel approved a variance permitting one-bedroom apartments at 21790 Coolidge Highway to measure 502–556 sq ft, below the code minimum of 650 sq ft; applicant said smaller units will lower renovation costs and rents.
At its meeting, the Oak Park zoning panel approved a variance allowing proposed one‑bedroom units at 21790 Coolidge Highway to range from 502 square feet to 556 square feet, below the residential minimum of 650 square feet in Article 2, Division 2, Section 2‑12 of the city code.
Michael Gordon, applicant representative, told the panel the request is driven by market demand for smaller one‑bedroom units among an older demographic and by constraints tied to renovating an existing building. “Keeping the units smaller will increase their affordability by keeping costs down, translating into lower rents,” Gordon said.
Gordon said the project team reviewed minimum unit sizes in nearby communities, adding that Royal Oak’s minimum is 450 square feet, Royal Oak Township’s is 500, Hazel Park’s is 400 and Ferndale has no specific minimum. He also said prior approvals addressed other renovation challenges and that no members of the public besides the applicant were present for the hearing.
A motion to approve the waiver for case number 25‑08 was moved and seconded. The panel took a roll call vote and recorded unanimous support. The motion, as read on the record, approved the request of Michael Gordon on behalf of the property owner at 21790 Coolidge Highway to allow the smaller one‑bedroom unit sizes. The motion carried.
The transcript and staff report presented during the meeting did not specify conditions tied to rent levels, specific design changes, or a timeline for construction; the applicant said the smaller unit sizes are intended to reduce renovation costs and thereby help keep rents lower. No follow‑up directions to staff were recorded in the meeting minutes provided.
