A plan to build a 30-unit apartment building behind two historic structures on East Rich Street is working its way through the approval process.
Schiff Capital Group has proposed renovating the two original buildings, which are located at 530 E. Rich St. and were built around 1900, according to the Franklin County Auditor’s site. A connector between the two houses would be removed, and a brick and cinderblock rear addition would be demolished to make room for the five-story apartment building.
The apartments in the new building would sit atop a 30-space, first-floor parking garage that would be accessed from Walnut Street.
The proposal has been heard multiple times by the Historic Resources Commission, which has jurisdiction over the property because it sits in the East Town Street Historic District.
The commission voted to approve the overall design of the new building and the demolition of the addition, but the applicant will have to return for final approval after being asked to tweak some minor elements. The project will also need to get approval from the Downtown Commission before moving forward.
“We are excited about the area and believe this will be a very appealing boutique project with all the necessary elements for safety and comfort for our tenants,” said Michael Schiff, President and CEO of Schiff Capital Group, who added that the plan for now is to convert the two original buildings into duplexes, with a single apartment on each floor.
“The market could change that, however, as those beautiful historic buildings will also work as offices or condos,” he said.