Commission approves minor modifications to 24 Belden project after developers add parking and secure hotel brand

Attorney Adam Blank and architect Ray Sullivan told the Planning and Zoning Commission the revisions to the previously approved 24 Belden project are intended to improve circulation, pedestrian access and hotel drop‑off while adding on‑site parking.

The team said the original scheme included roughly 30,000 square feet of ground‑floor retail; the revised plan reduces that to about 7,500 square feet and repurposes much of the reclaimed area for 50–60 additional parking spaces. "We respectfully ask that you approve this as a minor change based on the plans that have been submitted," Blank said during the presentation.

Project changes and rationale: the developer said street reconfiguration on Bernell Avenue and relocated transit canopies provided access that allowed the project to move the hotel entrance to Bernell and create a safer, more legible drop‑off and lobby arrangement. Architects described raising ceiling heights and opening the entry courtyard to create a stronger pedestrian experience and to allow a signature hotel entrance.

Jobs and operations: hotel partner Stanton Ley said the hotel operation would eventually support roughly 50 employees—about 30 full‑time and 20 part‑time— and that recruitment would emphasize local hires and outreach to community college programs.

Commission questions and conditions: commissioners asked about rooftop antennas, the visual treatment of electrical transformers and how retail activation would be achieved; applicants said they would screen or art‑paint transformer boxes and were negotiating restaurant and bakery tenants to animate the sidewalk.

Vote: after discussion the commission moved and approved the proposed modifications as a minor change by roll call (unanimous among those present).

Ending: applicants thanked the commission and said construction will continue on the apartment tower already under construction while the applicant completes final drawings for the modified hotel and retail elements.