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Planning Commission approves adaptive reuse of historic U.S. Hotel for office, retail and small events
Summary
The Jacksonville Planning Commission on Feb. 11, 2026 unanimously approved a performance review allowing the historic U.S. Hotel at 125 E. California St. to be used for office, retail and small-scale concerts and community events, subject to six staff conditions. Applicants said they will comply with noise, parking and building-code requirements.
On Feb. 11, 2026, the Jacksonville Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a performance review allowing adaptive reuse of the historic U.S. Hotel at 125 E. California Street for office and retail space and for small-scale concerts, educational events and community gatherings, subject to staff-recommended Conditions 1–6.
Planning Director Ian Foster told the Commission that the building has historically hosted similar uses but had not previously been formally reviewed; staff recommended the review to establish the permitted uses under Chapter 17.36 of the Jacksonville Unified Development Code. Foster confirmed that Condition No. 6 requires final sign-off by the Fire Chief before the uses may begin.
Commissioners pressed staff and the applicants on several compliance and technical topics. Commissioner Tom Pratum asked about the purpose and effect of the local Parking District; Commissioner Terry Moore asked whether seismic upgrades were planned and whether the proposed elevator would include a backup generator. Chair Mike Card asked about compliance with the City noise ordinance and whether bicycle parking would be provided. Foster deferred technical answers to the applicants but affirmed that the staff conditions are designed to address fire and building-code sign-off.
Applicant representatives answered those questions at the hearing. Abby Mckee, president and CEO of the Britt Music and Arts Festival Association, Inc., said Britt is experienced in complying with noise regulations and described anticipated public uses and plans to work with the City on parking management. Christopher Brown, the applicants' agent with Architek, addressed structural upgrades, elevator specifications, fire- and building-code requirements, and bicycle parking plans.
Two members of the public spoke in support during public testimony: Don Litchfield, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, and Jerry Hayes of Applegate. Following discussion, Commissioner Tom Pratum moved to approve the staff recommendation. Vice Chair Diane Barr seconded the motion. The Commission recorded all ayes and the motion carried.
The approval adopts the findings of fact and conclusions of law contained in the staff report dated Feb. 3, 2026 and authorizes the change in use provided the applicant meets Conditions 1–6 before occupancy or event operations begin. The applicants and staff indicated those conditions address outstanding building, fire and code issues noted during the hearing.
Other business included internal officer elections: the Commission reelected Michael Card as Chair and Diane Barr as Vice Chair for 2026–2027. City Council liaison Steve Casaleggio reported recent City Council actions, including approval of Britt's shoulder-season extension through Oct. 31, 2026; approval of a large-event packet for Cycle Oregon; reappointments to the Budget Committee; and adoption of an ordinance clarifying property-owner responsibilities for sidewalk maintenance. Foster said the City has received a $100,000 grant to support a consulting team for an upcoming UGB amendment process and that he has been promoted to Assistant City Administrator.
The Commission adjourned at 6:47 p.m. Minutes from the Nov. 12, 2025 meeting were deferred for approval at the next scheduled meeting.
