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 property at 605 S. First St. from Central Business Urban Fringe (CB1) to Central Business Campustown (CB3) at its meeting Wednesday at 4 p.m.
The University Group told The News-Gazette in an earlier interview that it plans to build a five-story apartment building with “first floor retail space and resident amenities” on land at the northwest corner of First and Green streets, including the property in question. .
“The project is currently in the permit review phase and is on hold pending the proposed rezoning and building and fire code compliance review,” said Senior Planner Eric Van Buskirk.
The developer plans to build a total of 60 apartments on the upper floors of the building and two commercial spaces on the ground floor, one of which will be for a retail tenant and the other for a restaurant, he said.
The original location of Maize Mexican Grill, at 60 E. Green St., was demolished in late July to make way for the development, and homes were also demolished on adjacent properties at 58 and 58½ E. Green St. and 605 and 607 S. First St. .
Corn owner Armando Sandoval said in a previous interview that his restaurant has been invited to return as a tenant in the new development, and that they are considering that possibility.
While The University Group is the developer of the site, the rezoning process was initiated by Bruce Knight, director of Champaign Planning and Development.
Van Buskirk said the rezoning of the parcel at 605 S. First St. will bring it in line with the other properties included in the project, all of which are 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 be focused on Green Street.
After reviewing the matter, the planning commission will forward a recommendation to the Champaign City Council, which will ultimately decide whether to rezone the property.