HLC grants final approval to 35‑unit development at 320 West Korea; Bates House to be relocated and restored

The Historic Landmarks Commission granted final approval April 8 for a four‑story, 35‑unit residential project at 320 West Korea Street that includes on‑site relocation and restoration of the historic Bates House and associated site and landscape work.

Applicant team representatives presented final plans showing the Bates House moved from the rear of the lot to a prominent location facing West Korea Street and converted back into a duplex with two three‑bedroom units. The larger new building will contain 35 residential units developed under the city's density bonus/AUD program. The project also consolidates vehicle access to the rear alley, removes two existing driveways on West Korea and proposes a coordinated landscape plan with drought‑tolerant plantings and pedestrian lighting.

During review, the team noted changes to the planting plan: four previously proposed trees were removed because of an electrical trench and subsurface storm infrastructure; the applicant proposed placing two replacement street/ornamental trees (crepe myrtle or similar) in available planting wells. The landscape architect provided an irrigation and hydrozone plan and path‑lighting details.

Commissioners found that the submitted materials demonstrated substantial conformance with prior project design approval and acknowledged the applicant’s refinements to the tower form and material details. By roll call the commission approved final plans; the decision is appealable to city council within 10 days.

The commission asked staff and the applicant to coordinate timing for the physical relocation and restoration plan for the Bates House and for any outreach required to affected neighbors.