Commission to consider rezoning for mixed-use development site

CHAMPAIGN — The university group is moving forward with its plans for a new mixed-use development in Campustown.

The Champaign Plan Commission will consider a proposal to rezone the property at 605 S. First St. from Central Business Urban Fringe (CB1) to Central Business Campustown (CB3) at the 4pm meeting on Wednesday.

The university group told the News-Gazette in a previous interview that it plans to build a five-story apartment building with “first-floor commercial space and residential amenities” on the land at the northwest corner of First and Green, including the subject property. .

“The project is currently undergoing permit review and is on hold pending the proposed rezoning and review for building code and fire safety compliance,” said senior planner Eric Van Buskirk.

The developer plans to build a total of 60 apartment units on the upper levels of the building and two commercial spaces on the ground floor, one for the commercial tenant and the other for a restaurant, he said.

Maize Mexican Grill’s original location at 60 E. Green St. was demolished in late July to make way for the development, and homes were also torn down on neighboring properties at 58 and 58½ E. Green St. and 605 and 607 S. First St. .

Maize owner Armando Sandoval said in a previous interview that his restaurant has been invited to return as a tenant in the new development and is considering the possibility.

Although The University Group is the developer of the site, the rezoning process was initiated by Champaign Planning and Development Director Bruce Knight.

Van Buskirk said the rezoning of the parcel at 605 S. First St. it will bring it in line with the other properties included in the project, which are all zoned CB3.

He added that the rezoning is also appropriate because the CB3 zoning district “supports urban-scale development” along Green Street, and the proposed development will face Green Street.

After reviewing the case, the plan commission will make a recommendation to the Champaign City Council, which makes the final decision on rezoning the property.