photo by: Bremen Keasey

A proposed mixed-use development in North Lawrence moved closer to approval after the Planning Commission voted Wednesday to recommend a rezoning request.

Planning commissioners voted unanimously to recommend approving a rezoning request of 1.12 acres of land at 623 and 645 Locust St. from an M-3 mixed-use district to an M-2 mixed-use district.

The rezoning request would facilitate the construction of a three-story building that would have a restaurant on the ground floor and two floors of residential use above, according to Paul Werner, an architect representing the developers. He said that the site had been unoccupied for years, and the development would demolish some of the structures while preserving other buildings on the site.

Drew Bealby, a planner for the city, told the commission that the reason for the request was that the M-3 district would require the development to dedicate 50% of its space to nonresidential use, while the M-2 had less stringent requirements.

Werner said that M-2 designation would “fit the site way better,” noting under the existing M-3 zoning, it would mean the project would be required to add another story of commercial space. Changing the zoning to the M-2 designation would allow for a structure that better fit with the other buildings around Locust Street, Werner said.

Bealby and Werner both said that a site plan was also filed and was currently under review by the city’s Planning and Development Services.

In discussion, Planning Commissioner Gary Rexroad supported the rezoning request, saying it’s a “cool” opportunity. Commissioner Michael Crawford agreed with that assessment and said it could add more interest to North Lawrence, which he said is often “overlooked.”

The City Commission will have a final vote on the rezoning request.