Council approves zoning changes, historic permits and $37,275 subsidy for Cedarhurst mansion wedding venue

Cottage Grove — The Cottage Grove City Council on Aug. 20 approved a series of land‑use and financial actions to allow Bella Gala to restore and operate the historic Cedarhurst mansion as a wedding and event center.

Community Development Director Emily Schmitz summarized the applicant’s proposals and site changes. Bella Gala proposes to restore the mansion, remove some irreparable outbuildings, construct a 4,000‑square‑foot glassed “atrium” addition for indoor receptions, and preserve and center activity on an existing rose garden and several proposed outdoor ceremony areas. Schmitz said the applicant intends to pursue state historic tax credits and must comply with state historic‑preservation standards.

Key council actions approved Aug. 20: - Ordinance 1103: Rezone 6940 Keats Avenue South from AG2 (agricultural) to MU (mixed use). - Resolution 2025-112: Approve a historic conditional‑use permit to operate an event center/wedding venue at the Cedarhurst Mansion (6940 Keats Ave S), which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the city’s register of historic sites. - Resolution 2025-113: Site‑plan review approval for improvements to the mansion and grounds, including the 4,000‑square‑foot addition, driveway widening, new parking areas and utility connections. - Ordinance 1104: Rezone 9912 Seventieth Street South from AG2 to R3 (single‑family residential). - Resolution 2025-114: Approve a historic conditional‑use permit to use the Gardener’s Cottage parcel at 9912 Seventieth Street South in conjunction with the commercial event venue on the adjacent parcel. - Business subsidy agreement with Bella Gala in the amount of $37,275 to provide up to 15 SAC units.

Schmitz told the council the applicant will widen narrow site drive aisles, provide 80 parking spaces (the staff report said 79 were required), and use a structural grid parking product (TrueGrid) to preserve grassy appearance while stabilizing parking areas. She said utilities will be extended from the nearby 60 Ninth Court stub to eliminate continued use of existing well and septic systems at the mansion; the Gardener’s Cottage will remain on private well and septic until those systems fail, at which time connection would be required.

Schmitz reported the city’s Historic Commission (ACHP) reviewed the proposal in June and recommended the project by a 5–0 vote. Applicant JJ Malatsky (Bella Gala) presented renderings and described plans to repair historic interior features, reintroduce some removed elements and place a detached, glass‑walled atrium addition oriented to preserve the Rose Garden. He told council the company’s prior experience operating venues informed their design and programming plans. The council approved all measures by voice votes with no recorded opposition.

Why it matters: The approvals enable a private developer to restore a nationally registered historic mansion, create a new event venue and make site and circulation changes that the city says will improve public safety and preserve the property’s historic character. The business subsidy provides a modest economic incentive tied to SAC units as described in the agreement.

What happens next: Staff will administer the business subsidy agreement and permit review, coordinate inspections and follow historic‑preservation review requirements tied to tax‑credit applications if the applicant pursues state credits.