Council hears staff presentation on LITEC application for adaptive reuse at 2520 W. Irving Blvd

Staff briefed the council on a proposed adaptive reuse and new multifamily project at 2520 W. Irving Blvd that is seeking Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LITEC). Imelda Speck told the council the project would adapt part of the existing office building and add a new residential structure to deliver about 72 units, targeting 80% AMI with a 45‑year affordability period.

Speck said the applicant is seeking two resolutions: an exception to TDHCA’s one‑mile buffer (the site sits roughly 20 feet inside the statutory 1‑mile limit from a recent TDHCA award) so it can apply this cycle, and a resolution of support to improve competitive scoring. Staff noted the proposal would be technically mixed‑use with some retained commercial space and that the applicant expects to pursue any needed zoning or variance requests to meet design and height standards.

Councilmembers asked how the project fits into a larger corridor strategic plan and whether historic designation for the existing building affects the proposal; staff replied the site’s future land use is commercial, that the applicant is pursuing historic designation (which can provide additional scoring points), and that a later zoning case may be required for variances if the project does not meet multifamily minimums. Several councilmembers requested additional contextual planning information for the broader corridor before finalizing a resolution of support.

The staff presentation and council discussion were informational; staff said two resolutions would be brought forward in the packet for council consideration at a later date.