Commission approves land‑use and rezoning for 800 block of East University Avenue to enable bed‑and‑breakfast restoration

The Gainesville City Commission unanimously approved a comprehensive plan amendment and companion zoning change for a 0.64‑acre property in the 800 block of East University Avenue on April 2.

Ari Urbanovich, a planner with the Department of Sustainable Development, told commissioners the request (LD25‑000143 / LD25‑000141) would change the future land‑use category from Planned Development/mixed‑use low intensity to mixed‑use office‑residential and rezone the parcel from Planned Development to Urban Zone 4. Urbanovich said the change would allow residential uses on a parcel within the Southeast Historic District and that the proposal met land‑development code criteria, including compatibility with surrounding land uses and comprehensive‑plan goals to encourage infill and a mix of housing, retail and workplace choices.

Clay Swagger, representing the property owner, said the parcel includes a historic Victorian house (referred to in the record as the McGreery House; the applicant referred to the historic structure with an alternate spelling) and that the owner plans a revitalization that could restore bed‑and‑breakfast use. Swagger said the request is largely administrative and consistent with the surrounding U4 pattern of uses.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether both adjacent historic structures were included (the applicant confirmed the application applies to the eastern house only) and about the project’s timeline. Commissioner Eastman praised the application as a way to return the house to productive use and then moved approval; the motion passed by unanimous roll call.

What happens next: staff noted that any future development will remain subject to historic‑preservation review, certificates of appropriateness and standard development permitting.

Votes and ordinance numbers: The commission adopted the comprehensive plan amendment (ordinance number noted on the record as 20 25 9 9 8) and the rezoning ordinance (20 25 9 9 7) on motions recorded in the meeting minutes.