Midtown Redevelopment seeks approval for 62 housing units and 5,500 sq ft commercial space; council moves plan to legislative agenda

Midtown Redevelopment LLC presented its preliminary/final subdivision and land development plan to the City Council for an 11‑site, seven‑block infill project that would add about 62 residential units and roughly 5,500 square feet of commercial space near Calder, Fulton, Riley and James streets.

Jeff Knight of the planning bureau told council the proposal includes 23 new buildings across scattered sites, including three 12‑unit multifamily buildings, several six‑unit townhome blocks and a food‑hall style commercial space on Seyford Street. The plan also proposes a 44‑space lot to concentrate parking and reduce curb cuts. Knight said the planning commission recommended approval subject to design and infrastructure conditions intended to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety.

“The applicant should design all of the proposed residential units within the project to be at least visible, if not fully ADA accessible, including aspects such as 0‑step entries for the proposed townhomes,” Knight said, and he outlined requirements for curb‑cut design, full‑width sidewalks along Calder and North Fourth Street, bike storage near commercial entrances, landscaping and refuse coordination with public works.

Chris Bryce, owner of Midtown Redevelopment, said the team expects to transfer lots from the HRA imminently and aims to break ground on the first 12 units in November, with a plan to build three 12‑unit phases in succession. Bryce said the developer pivoted after losing an initial builder partner and secured new financing and partners to move the project forward.

Council members asked about the project’s effect on current neighbors and affordability. Bryce said extensive neighborhood outreach began during the COVID period, posters were displayed at sites and developers altered building heights in response to feedback; he described the project as “infill” that respects surrounding massing. Regarding affordable units, Bryce said the broader Capitol Heights/Marketplace program includes a 10% affordable carve‑out in Capitol Heights; the Marketplace portion under consideration for the current submission is market rate while the affordable component will be provided elsewhere in the overall project plan.

Councilwoman Ross asked whether the townhomes will be for sale; Bryce said a small number (“probably 5 or 6”) may be marketed for sale while most units will be rental.

Council members expressed general support for replacing vacant lots with housing and commercial activity. President Hill moved to add Resolution 56 of 02/2024 to the next legislative session agenda for a formal vote. The committee referred the request to the legislative agenda; the work session did not record a legislative adoption vote.

Key project details: approximately 62 units across 23 buildings, three 12‑unit multifamily buildings, multiple townhome blocks, ~5,500 sq ft of commercial space, and a 44‑space parking lot. Planning commission conditions include ADA access features, full‑width sidewalks, curb‑cut design, bike storage, landscaping and refuse coordination.