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Commission backs conditional use permit to convert Motel 6 into assisted living and affordable housing
Summary
The planning commission recommended approval of a conditional use permit and design compliance certificate allowing Bridgewater Group to convert the Motel 6 at 1731 Premier Drive into roughly 60–63 assisted-living affordable-housing units, subject to code compliance, ADA updates, permits and conditions including completion of amenity spaces prior to occupancy.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional-use permit to allow Bridgewater Group to repurpose the existing Motel 6 at 1731 Premier Drive into assisted-living and affordable congregate housing for elderly and disabled adults.
Planning staff (Bennett/Ben Hansen) described a proposal to convert hotel units into roughly 60–63 single-occupancy residential suites with shared dining, kitchen and social spaces. Staff said no exterior material changes beyond repainting and removal of the motel marquee were planned initially and that the applicant proposed a partially enclosed outdoor green space with a gazebo, raised garden beds, a privacy fence and a designated outdoor smoking area.
"The applicant is proposing to utilize the existing 3 story motel 6 structure... to provide affordable residential housing with assisted living services," staff said. Staff also noted letters of support from Blue Earth County staff and a letter from former Minnesota House Representative Jack Considine.
Brad Bass, representing Bridgewater Group, said the building’s existing accessibility features made it suitable for conversion and that some suites would be reallocated as communal service spaces. "These are the types of suites that we provide and build new," Bass said, and he added that they planned staggered dining times and room-delivered meals for residents who prefer to eat in-suite.
Commissioners asked about dining capacity and storage; Bass said suites would remain single-occupancy and that up to six suites could be converted to communal spaces for food service and program administration. He also said a proposed exterior storage/maintenance building had been removed from this submission and would be reviewed separately if proposed in the future.
A local hotel business owner spoke in support during public comment, praising the building and the neighborhood’s suitability for the use. After discussion, the commission moved, seconded and approved the recommendation to council; staff listed multiple conditions, including plan reviews, permit requirements (fence, gazebo, signage), ADA parking conformance prior to occupancy and payment of city connection fees. The item was set for anticipated council action on June 8.
