Commissioners approve rezoning of former bank at 326 Highway 314 for event center with conditions

A committee moved and the planning commission unanimously approved rezoning 326 Highway 314 (parcel 0537051) from professional office to neighborhood commercial to allow an event center in the former Bank of America building.

Staff told the commission the proposal aligns with the city's comprehensive and strategic plans, noting an emphasis on adaptive reuse of existing commercial buildings. “This project is located here at the north end of our city,” staff said, describing site buffers, shared access with adjacent parcels and planned interior renovations. Staff told the commission that, after fire-marshal review, the space could preliminarily “suit up to 280 people,” but that a specific occupancy will be set after interior plans are reviewed.

The applicant, who identified himself as Kareem, said the building has been on the market for five to six years and that he considered multiple uses, including medical offices and a gas station, before deciding an event center best suited the site. “I think so this would be a good asset to the community,” he said.

Commissioners attached conditions to the approval requiring submission of building permits before interior renovation and plans for any exterior changes, a dumpster and dumpster enclosure meeting UDO section 41.13.b, and a requirement that any removed trees or shrubs be replaced on site or that the applicant donate to the city tree fund. A committee member moved the motion with these conditions; another committee member seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The staff noted additional required reviews by the building official and fire marshal for occupancy and interior changes before the project may open to the public.

The commission did not record individual vote tallies in the transcript; the motion was announced as passing unanimously.