City staff reports two redevelopment pre-applications, including Mile Hill theater conversion

City staff told the Economic Development & Tourism Committee about two recent pre-application projects that could produce near-term redevelopment if permit applications follow.

Nick Bond said one pre-application proposes converting the former Mile Hill movie theater into a combined dance and gymnastics studio with a large, leveled interior gymnastics area, several smaller dance studios, some public event space, and a small café. Bond described the project as "bring[ing] the building back to life," and committee members said the use could meet community needs for youth spaces.

A second pre-application on Pottery Avenue (on the north side of Highway 16) proposes a 24-unit apartment project just south of the middle school. Staff reported the developer has reconfigured the site to meet design standards and that a contractor is installing a sewer line extension to serve the area; staff said the developer contracted with the city's contractor to install the sewer. Bond noted that the storage-facility proponent is constructing sewer infrastructure and that a park-and-ride and related sewer lift station at the Sedgwick–Sydney intersection is nearing final design and could break ground next year using federal park-and-ride funds.

Staff also said Diaz Meadows (a previously discussed project) is not proposed for inclusion in the MFTE target map because it is not contiguous and — as drawn — would not meet the draft ordinance's four-story threshold (it is three stories as currently proposed). Committee members recommended outreach to pre-app developers if MFTE is adopted so developers might reconfigure proposals (for example, adding a story or below-grade parking) to qualify for incentives.

Ending: Staff said these pre-application matters are ongoing; no permits had been issued at the time of the meeting and timelines depend on developers electing to file formal permit applications.