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Commission backs plan to split large apartments into studios and two-bedrooms in entertainment district
Summary
The commission recommended approval of PD24-24 to convert portions of two aging multifamily properties near the entertainment district into smaller units (adding 20 studios and 20 two-bedrooms), approving staff stipulations on landscaping, fencing and streetscape by a 7–1 vote.
The Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 5 voted 7–1 to recommend approval of PD24-24, a planned development that will convert interior units in two older multifamily complexes (712 East Bridal Mill Road and 701 Slaughter Street) to create smaller, market-aligned apartments.
Clifford Golson, principal planner in Planning and Development Services, told the commission the site is approximately 6.437 acres and that the properties—built in the late 1960s and early 1970s—do not meet some current Entertainment District Overlay (EDO) standards, including buffer widths and minimum unit sizes. Staff recommended conditions including meeting streetscape requirements, adding landscaping along Slaughter Street and replacing chain-link fencing along the western property line.
Jonathan Vinson, representing the applicant and the Lighthouse Group, said the owner acquired the properties in 2019 and has invested about $5,000,000 in upgrades. "They have invested heavily in this," Vinson said. He explained the proposal would convert large 1,200-square-foot three-bedroom units into 350-square-foot studios and 850-square-foot two-bedroom units, increasing the unit count from 184 to 204 and keeping total building footprints and parking surfaces largely unchanged.
Commissioners pressed the applicant on unit functionality and parking. Commissioner Maddox and others questioned whether a 350-square-foot studio could practically include a full kitchen; Annette Fowler, the regional property supervisor, said the design includes a smaller range and a full refrigerator and sink, and that the developer has experience with similar units in other properties. Staff and the applicant acknowledged deviations from UDC minimum unit sizes and parking ratios but said interior conversion avoids exterior changes and that the applicant is amenable to landscaping and fence upgrades.
Commissioner Blake moved to approve PD24-24 with staff recommendations and an added stipulation requiring a wrought-iron fence or an acceptable alternative where easements prevent wrought iron; Commissioner Payne seconded. The motion passed 7–1.
The approval allows the applicant to proceed with the planned development, subject to the listed staff stipulations and to UDC and building code requirements during plan review and permitting.
