Developer previews plan to add floor and convert former Mercury building on N. Hanover into apartments; zoning relief expected

Representatives for the proposed redevelopment of the former Mercury building at 30 North Hanover presented a schematic plan to the Committee of the Whole on Jan. 8 that would add an upper story and convert the structure to multi‑unit residential use.

Attorney Mike Murray and construction manager Joe Michalski, speaking for the developer, said the plan calls for a four‑story conversion with about 35 apartments overall and a small ground‑floor retail space. Michalski said, "We're moving forward with permits and construction ideally within 3 to 4 months," and described a deliberate approach to preserve the building's historic character and to resolve stormwater and egress issues before construction.

The applicant acknowledged the likely need for zoning relief for height and for parking. The project team said it had negotiated an agreement to acquire an adjacent lot behind the building with 20–25 spaces and highlighted several municipal parking lots within walking distance; they said the developer intends to close on the adjacent lot before construction to provide staging and tenant parking.

Solicitor and staff explained the procedural pathway: the developer has filed a zoning application for relief that will be heard by the Zoning Hearing Board, and a conditional‑use application and land‑development submissions are pending; the team expects conditional use to come before council in February or March depending on the review schedule. No council action was taken at the Committee meeting; the presentation was informational and the project will return for formal hearings and land‑development review.