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Commission restores RT4 zoning at North Jefferson site to allow office reuse of existing building
Summary
The City Plan Commission approved reverting three parcels on North Jefferson Street from a custom detailed plan development back to RT4 (two‑family residential) zoning to allow the existing building to be repurposed as an office by Abacus Architects; future development on adjacent parcels would require separate approvals.
The commission voted to rezone three parcels at 1524, 1540 and 1546 North Jefferson Street from a custom detailed plan development back to RT4 (two‑family residential) zoning and to allow the existing building to be reused as an office, subject to required special‑use approvals.
Kristen Connolly of DCD Planning described the site’s zoning history: the property had previously been RT4, was rezoned in phases to allow a commercial building and later a townhouse development that did not move forward. “The land's proposed to be rezoned from that custom zoning … and bring it back to that R T 4 zoning, which is the prior zoning of the site,” Connolly said, and staff recommended approval to enable reuse of the existing building.
Eric Halbert, president and CEO of Abacus Architects, said his firm plans to use the existing building as its office and described market obstacles to condominium development that affected earlier proposals. “Condos are a very hard thing to make happen right now,” Halbert said, citing financing, insurance and market constraints since 2008. He told commissioners Abacus intends to renovate the building’s façade and parking area without expanding the building footprint and that any future development on the remaining parcels would require returning to the commission for zoning changes.
Commissioners asked about parking and potential future development. Connolly and Abacus confirmed the parcel to be used by the office would require compliance with applicable plan‑examiner requirements and that any larger future redevelopment would require additional public review. Alderman Baumann had indicated support for the rezone.
Commissioner Ronnell Washington moved to close the public hearing and approve file 250523; the motion was seconded and the commission approved the rezoning by voice vote.
Why this matters: Restoring RT4 removes the custom zoning tailored to a specific townhouse development that no longer is proceeding and clears the way for adaptive reuse of a standing building as a local office. Any future change to develop the remaining parcels at higher density would require returning to the commission and subsequent reviews.
What’s next: The zoning change proceeds to the Common Council for final action; Abacus Architects will pursue any required special‑use approvals and permits for office occupancy and will coordinate with plan examiners on parking and building code compliance.
