The proposed expansion of the historic Eldridge Hotel could be a great addition to downtown Lawrence, but city officials should resist the temptation to approve a tax rebate for the project before all the planning requirements have been met.

Lawrence city commissioners have received and referred to the city’s Public Incentives Review Committee a request from the hotel for a 95 percent, 15-year tax rebate for the project. It’s a large incentive but not without precedent. Similar incentives were granted for the Oread hotel and the new Marriott at Ninth and New Hampshire streets.

The plan is to expand the Eldridge into a vacant lot to the south. Eldridge officials say the $12.5 million project would add about 50,000 square feet to the hotel and more than double the number of rooms. The hotel currently has 48 rooms and the expansion would add 54 new rooms along with a new multipurpose space and expanded restaurant and bar facilities.

Renderings of the Eldridge project show an attractive structure that fits well with its surroundings and the architectural character of downtown. It unquestionably is a visual improvement over the unsightly vacant lot that currently occupies that space.

Nonetheless, it’s important that commissioners make sure that all the details and requirements for the project are locked in before considering such a major tax incentive. Eldridge officials first presented their plans in April, and the city’s Historic Resources Commission approved the project in May with several conditions attached. Those conditions have not yet been met and since the HRC considered the plan, the project actually has evolved to increase the structure’s height on the alley side and make space for about 16 additional rooms.

The PIRC could consider and make a recommendation on the Eldridge plan relatively quickly, but city commissioners shouldn’t be in any rush. Before any incentives are approved, commissioners need to make sure the project meets all the necessary planning requirements and that issues related to parking, design and the city’s expectations for the operation of a drinking establishment that receives public incentives have been addressed. Although it’s not routine, commissioners might even want to take a look at the project’s site plan to review various details.

Recent projects, including the major new apartment development east of Kansas University’s Memorial Stadium, have illustrated that important issues often arise after the city has committed to certain incentives. The Eldridge project could be a great asset for Lawrence, but rather than approve such a large incentive with conditions attached, city officials should make sure all the details are settled before committing to any tax breaks.