PORTAGE | The third time was the charm for developer Tim Hill on Wednesday.
The Redevelopment Commission approved selling a 1.4-acre block of property in the redeveloped downtown for residential use.
Hill said his company, Sunquest Development, plans on building eight single-family detached homes along the block east of Founder's Square, south of Main Street and West of Hamstrom Road. A ninth building would be constructed on the western end of the block as a combination commercial use on the first floor and residential on the second story as a transition into what city officials are hoping will become a traditional downtown.
Hill initially offered $162,500 for the property. It had been appraised at $250,000. Hill said, however, that appraisal was based on a higher density use, such as apartments.
The commission countered, asking $180,000 for the parcel, which will be the first sold in the redeveloped downtown. Hill offered $175,000 and the commission accepted.
Hill also agreed to construct a full brick facade on the eight homes and a mix of brick and glass on the corner building.
Hill said the homes are designed for those 50 years and older. The primary living area will be on the ground floor. To meet the city's downtown building standard, there will be a second story containing a loft. The loft area will be large enough, he said, to be converted into a bedroom and bathroom.
Hill said the homes would have attached garages, accessed by an alley, front porches, narrow lots and fenced-in courtyards. Each home would be owner-occupied. There would be one- and two-bedroom units.
This was the third time Hill approached the commission to purchase the property. In September, the commission tabled the request. In October it deadlocked in a 2-2 tie with then mayor and commission chairman Doug Olson and member Susan Kelly-Johnson voting against the sale. They cited density concerns as their reason for voting against it.
Wednesday there was a full commission present. Kelly-Johnson voted against the sale, but Mayor Olga Velazquez voted in favor of it. Members Rich Trowbridge, Ed Gottschling and Steve Nelson also voted in favor of the sale.
"I like it. I think it is time for us to do something with this situation here," said Gottschling, referring to downtown development.
