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Planning commission approves conversion of 25 Center Street to three apartments
Summary
The commission granted a special permit to allow conversion of a mixed‑use building at 25 Center Street into three residential units; the building is under contract and the buyer's purchase is contingent on permit approval.
The Winchester Planning & Zoning Commission voted Feb. 9 to approve special permit PC25‑25 to convert a mixed‑use building at 25 Center Street to a three‑unit residential building.
Applicant "George Name" told the commission the building currently has one office and two residential units and that the office has been vacant for some time. "It's been empty," George said, and the planned conversion would result in two apartments on the first floor and one upstairs for a total of three units. The sale of the building is under contract and the buyer's closing was described as contingent on receiving the special permit.
The commission asked whether the office portion would be removed from commercial use; staff and the applicant confirmed the office space will not remain as office and that the sign will be removed. The fire department and building official previously toured the structure and provided a checklist of required work; staff said much of the interior renovation has received building‑inspector approval and that remaining alterations for the third unit will be completed by the buyer.
After discussion a motion to approve PC25‑25 was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The commission reserved the right to enforce any building‑inspection conditions required for occupancy.
Why it matters: the decision allows an existing Main‑area structure to be formally converted to residential use under a special permit in the town center zone, and the permit will enable a pending sale to close once outstanding building alterations are completed.
