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Commission gives preliminary approval for Columbia Mall rezoning to allow indoor storage and potential outparcels
Summary
Commissioners granted preliminary approval to rezone part of Columbia Mall from B2 to B3 to allow indoor storage uses and potential redevelopment; developer GK said the change could stabilize the property and create opportunities for restaurants and outparcels, but an REA with mall ownership that sunsets in 2028 could affect implementation.
The Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission gave preliminary approval Jan. 7 to an ordinance that would rezone part of Columbia Mall at 2800 South Columbia Road from B2 (shopping center) to B3 (general business), a move the city said could allow indoor storage and other general-business uses intended to reuse large, underused retail space.
Ryan Brooks outlined the staff rationale, saying the site has large areas of excess parking and has faced long-term vacancy; he referenced past proposals (including a school) and told commissioners that the proposed rezone would allow uses such as indoor storage that are not permitted under B2 zoning. Brooks also noted a real-estate agreement (REA) reported to be in place that could limit redevelopment and which staff said appears to sunset in 2028.
A remote representative for the prospective developer, identified in the record as Mister Curry, told commissioners the approach follows other local examples where big-box interiors were repurposed for storage with retail fronts. Curry said the developer sees the rezoning as a way to stabilize the property and eventually create outparcels for restaurants or smaller retail after the big-box footprint is repurposed. "We think there's opportunity for mixed use," Curry said, adding that the initial focus would be to get the big box economically stabilized.
Commissioners questioned whether restaurants or other outparcels could be placed in the parking area; Curry said such outparcels were possible but would come after stabilizing the main building. Brooks told the commission the mall owners (and the REA) would likely need to agree for some uses to proceed even if the city changes zoning; that REA may constrain or delay redevelopment until it expires or is satisfied.
The commission approved the preliminary rezone by voice vote; further review, stakeholder negotiation and any required sign-offs by mall ownership would continue before final action.
