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CRA finds revised downtown tower plan consistent; developer to contribute $700,000 to workforce housing fund
Summary
The Community Redevelopment Agency reviewed and approved a modified plan to replace four existing buildings with a 29‑story mixed‑use tower (165 units), removing a previously proposed condo‑hotel and committing $700,000 to the workforce housing trust; the CRA voted 7–1 for consistency with the redevelopment plan.
The Community Redevelopment Agency voted 7–1 to find a modified redevelopment plan consistent with the downtown redevelopment plan for a parcel at 322–344 4th Street South.
The developer revised an earlier approval — increasing height from 25 to 29 stories and units from 152 to 165 while removing an underground parking level, a rooftop bar, and a proposed condo‑hotel/short‑term rental component. The plan centers a high‑rise tower along 4th Street South, includes ground‑floor commercial space, a three‑level parking podium with a concealed façade, pedestrian‑oriented open space and a 5th‑floor amenity level. The applicant agreed to contribute $700,000 to the CRA’s workforce housing trust fund as part of the proposal.
City staff presented renderings and noted the site was in the DC2 zoning district where multifamily and commercial uses are permitted and the proposed floor‑area ratio (FAR 7) is consistent with the code and surrounding development. Staff also said the project would be reviewed in detail at DRC (Design Review Committee) in two weeks and that required engineering and infrastructure checks (water, sewer, transportation) are in process.
Why it matters: The site currently contains older low‑rise residential buildings, two of which staff described as in significant disrepair; the CRA cited blight remediation and the plan’s pedestrian open‑space as aligned with the redevelopment plan’s goals for a 24‑hour live‑work downtown. Opponents at prior hearings had raised concerns about density, parking and loss of older buildings; the applicant said it had discussed revisions with nearby condo owners and received support from the Sage association.
Next steps: The project will proceed to DRC for design review and to permit reviews for infrastructure capacity. Councilmembers asked for continued outreach and said they want timely notice of subcontracting and workforce opportunities as project procurement proceeds.
Ending: With the CRA consistency finding (7–1), the developer will proceed into DRC and permitting, and staff will track the developer’s workforce‑housing contribution and outreach commitments.
