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Board approves use variance to allow first-floor residences in former Cromaldi’s building
Summary
The Board approved a use variance allowing conversion of the first floor at 117 West Jackson Boulevard into two residential units; staff said the change supports downtown housing goals and the building will meet applicable codes. Parking and building age were discussed during the hearing.
The Elkhart City Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a use variance Dec. 11 permitting residential units on the first floor of 117 West Jackson Boulevard, a building long known as Cromaldi’s Restaurant and Lounge.
Petitioner William Lee said he purchased the historic building, renovated the interior and, after limited interest from commercial tenants, proposes two first-floor residential suites. Lee told the board the building has eight assigned parking spaces behind and alongside the structure, which he said is sufficient for the four units that will occupy the property after conversion.
Staff described the building as constructed around 1860 with roughly 2,440 square feet per floor and said the requested use is consistent with revisions planned for the City’s unified development ordinance (UDO). Staff recommended approval, citing compliance with building codes, compatibility with the downtown neighborhood plan, reduced vacancy of a downtown structure and limited adverse effect on adjacent properties.
Board members asked about parking counts and confirmed the petitioner’s measurement of parking spaces. With no public opposition at the hearing, a board member moved to approve the use variance “and adopt the petitioner’s documents and presentation together with the staff’s finding of fact.” The motion passed on a unanimous roll call of Mulvaney, Lightman and Ivana Rykov.
The board’s approval allows the petitioner to finalize plans and proceed to the City’s technical review and permitting process; staff said the conversion will be reviewed for compliance with applicable building and zoning standards.
