In Brief: Planning Commission OKs Basic Plan for Hotel Complex

Tuesday's Planning Commission meeting left all petitioners pleased. 

Generating the most anticipation and discussion during the meeting was a proposed hotel complex at 400 N. Main St., which has sat unused since the Jim Fresard auto dealership moved to Ferndale in 2008.

Commissioners approved the basic plan and concept for the development of an 8-story hotel, an 8-story apartment building, a pair of office buildings and a 4-level off-street parking deck subject to a list of recommendations on landscaping, screening and site access, both vehicular and pedestrian. 

Commissioners also requested a parking analysis be commissioned and that, should the development go forward in phases, the proposed 114-room hotel shall be the first component built.

The number of parking spaces per apartment unit was also set at 1.5 for the development.

Overall, the plan developed by Krieger-Klatt Architects of Royal Oak for petitioner 400 Main, LLC was enthusiastically received by planning commissioners and residents who spoke during public comment, however, there are parking concerns. Residents insisted the project be self-parked and that a proposed 4-level parking deck at the northeast corner of the site be aesthetically pleasing and screened in a manner to avoid light and noise pollution.

"The layout is great," said Royal Oak resident Rick Karlowski. "But don't shortchange the parking." Karlowski expressed concern employees of the development will end up using the neighborhood as an auxiliary parking lot.

Representatives of  Contract Design Group and other nearby business expressed excitement for the project.

"It's pretty cool," said Bob Murray of Contract Design Group. "We wanted something more mixed use for the site."

The property was the center of a controversial failed bid by Kroger to build a new store in 2011.

"Our patience has been rewarded," said Planning Commissioner Sharlan Douglas.

Other agenda items approved

• Tamás A. E. von Staden — site plan to renovate existing building for retail sales, professional office and residential dwelling unit at 500 S. Washington Ave. 

• Main & Fifth Properties, LLC — site plan to permit conversion of retail space into restaurant at 501-503 S. Main St. 

• Pulse Fitness — special land use and site plan to convert office space into fitness center at 612 N. Main St. 

• B & SB Building, LLC — request to expand nonconforming freestanding sign and install new wall sign for automobile filling station at 31786 Woodward Ave.