West Front Project Set for Planning Review Wednesday

Traverse City planning commissioners will consider a proposal at their Wednesday night meeting by Federated Properties to build a five-story mixed-used development at 124 West Front Street. The property, located between J&S Hamburg and the Traverse City Record-Eagle, has sat vacant since the former Grand Traverse Auto building was demolished in 2007.

The proposed 174,173 square-foot development will include lower level parking, first floor commercial and residential space, and residential units on the second through fifth floors (for a total of 47 units). Federated Properties, represented by W. Keith Owen of Owen Architects Collaborative, is applying for a special land use permit from the city to construct a 68-foot high building, which can be approved if at least 20 percent of the development is designed and used for dwellings; otherwise, the property is zoned for a 60-foot high maximum by right.

If supported by planning commissioners Wednesday, Federated's special land use permit request will be introduced and scheduled for a public hearing on October 7.