Council hears proposal for 109-unit mixed‑use building near 400 South; planning commission split

Planning staff presented a master‑plan and zoning map amendment request affecting properties near 400 South and 8th East that would enable a mixed‑use building with 109 residential units and ground‑floor commercial space.

Kate Wirt (council policy analyst) and principal planner Grant Amon outlined the two requests: a general‑plan amendment changing the future‑land‑use designation to "high density transit oriented development" and a zoning reclassification to MU‑5 for three of the properties. Grant Amon described the proposal as "a mixed use multifamily storefront building consisting of a 109 residential units with storefront commercial along 400" and said staff found the project consistent with citywide planning documents while noting design review remains pending.

The planning commission recommended approval of the zoning change but opposed the general‑plan amendment at its November hearing because commissioners said the application did not adequately demonstrate compliance on community‑benefit and tenant‑replacement considerations. Staff said the applicant has pledged to meet unit‑replacement requirements (bedroom‑for‑bedroom) and offered a community benefit package (including a contribution to the city housing fund and tenant relocation assistance) that would be secured in a development agreement if council approves the rezone.

The applicant's representative, Hire Madsen of Hartage Hospitality, described available commercial space and rent ranges for tenants and said the project team has engaged the neighborhood. Council members asked technical questions about commercial square footage, price points, and how the development agreement could lock in additional community benefits; staff said the development agreement would capture those terms.