Little Rock's Historic District Commission on Monday approved a certificate of appropriateness for a 48-unit apartment complex to be built at 901 Scott St.
Commission members voted 4-1 in favor of the $8 million Moses Tucker project, which twice had been deferred because of concerns about the complex's size and questions about the board's ability to vote objectively on the project. Moses Tucker submitted three different proposals to commissioners since February.
"Sometimes the process is as important as the project. I think that's the case here," Moses Tucker director of development Jamie Moses said. " These things should be scrutinized. It was a grueling process at times and it wound up bearing fruit in the end."
Originally, the project was to include 53 apartments, drawing criticism from commission members and the public because of its size.
Changes to the project include four more feet of setback from the street and porches with setbacks of between 22 and 24 feet. Four parking spaces have been eliminated to reduce the depth of the parking lot from 60 to 56 feet.
Building height is now between 36.5 and 40 feet. Originally, the apartments were planned at 49.5 feet.
Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola, who appoints the commission, was among six people who spoke in favor of the project at Monday's meeting. He spoke of Moses Tucker's history with developing the River Market District and other parts of downtown.
"I think they've been very faithful to the concept and the content of what these old structures looked like in the past. And still recognized the importance of density," Stodola said. "I think the ability to get people back downtown, in the context of what this project looks like, would be very desirable for the city."
Commissioner Jeremiah Russell cast the only 'no' vote. He expressed continued concern about the mass of the structure and wanted a more detailed rendering of what the porches would look like.
Moses Tucker Co-Chairman Rett Tucker told the commission the delays in approval had been a positive learning process for the development firm.
"We've learned that something isn't always better than nothing," Tucker told commissioners prior to their vote. "Just because our property has been mostly vacant for 50 years doesn't mean anything built there is an improvement. We get that now."
Last month City Attorney Tom Carpenter asked the commission to delay a decision after Jennifer Carman, then a member of the body who had recused from voting, sent an email to other commissioners voicing concern over the project. Carman has since resigned from the board, leaving it with six voting members.
Commissioner Dick Kelley had to recuse from voting Monday because he owns property on the same street as the proposed apartment complex.
Members of the commission opened the meeting by stating the email sent by Carman would not influence their decision.
Business on 05/10/2016