Commission approves Hanover plan to renovate downtown historic building into mixed‑use apartments and retail
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Summary
Hanover Real Estate and design partners won Planning Commission approval to renovate a large historic downtown building into mixed‑use commercial and residential space, restore historic features under an anticipated historic tax‑credit application, and resolve an encroaching atrium/right‑of‑way issue through resubdivision work.
Project overview: Hanover Real Estate Development presented plans to renovate a circa‑1869 former S.A.&K. building (~45,000 sq ft) into mixed‑use ground‑floor commercial space and upper‑floor residential units (concept drawings indicate multiple one‑ and two‑bedroom units, mixing market‑rate and affordable units). The team described working toward historic tax credits and coordinating with the State Historic Preservation Office and National Park Service for exterior restoration and atrium modifications.
Right‑of‑way and encroachment issues: Staff and commenters raised a longstanding encroachment issue: a one‑story glass atrium projects into an abandoned segment of East Genesee Street’s right‑of‑way. Staff said assessment and title work are in progress to regularize the parcel after prior abandonment actions; an ordinance from 2021 was referenced regarding the atrium’s status. Commissioners required that resubdivision and lot‑line work be completed so the project has a 0‑lot line and does not further extend the atrium into public space.
Conditions and approvals: The commission issued a negative SECRA declaration and approved the major site plan review (MASPR 2528) with conditions including 0‑lot‑line resubdivision to prevent further right‑of‑way encroachment and an affordability requirement tied to the regulatory agreement term. The approval also required coordination with the county on sanitary capacity and minor off‑site adjustments (e.g., relocating a streetlight pole).
Community response: A number of downtown owners and preservation advocates spoke in favor of the project and urged the commission to keep the atrium in a 0‑lot‑line configuration and preserve public event potential for the atrium/first‑floor spaces.
Ending: The project was approved with conditions; staff will follow up on resubdivision and title work to reconcile the encroached right‑of‑way before construction proceeds.
