Despite the failing vote regarding the zoning of the historic Kent Building on Grand in Bellevue, the plans to rejuvenate the building and transform it into an apartment building have not yet died.
Currently for sale for $1.2 million, the Kent has been a spotlight for potential redevelopment — and misinformation. “Contrary to misinformation on flyers that have been placed on cars in the neighborhood, there is no plan for Section-8 housing on this site,” says the City of Bellevue.
Wrapped up in zoning issues but carefully moving forward in an effort to purchase the building, Covington-based Orleans Development approached the city in August. Their plans are to convert the former manufacturing facility into a residential building, which would include 66 market-rate apartments.
Because the current zoning does not fit the number of apartments desired in the plans, Orleans Development had to submit an application to the city’s Board of Adjustments to allow for rezoning. On Oct. 3, the proposal didn't pass, but the opportunity for new zoning still lies ahead.
Why is the Kent such a big deal for Bellevue?
According to Chelsey Lonneman of Orleans Development, the building has become a big community concern. “It's a very small, close knit community. Bellevue citizens are worried about losing street parking and increasing density (more people) in the neighborhood. The difference between American Can and Kent Lofts is the size of the lot and neighborhood.”
Northside's American Can building sits on a spacious lot with its own parking lot. It's also in a more commercial area. Kent Lofts is situated on a tight lot, and the building takes up about 95 percent of it. It's in a residential neighborhood, and the point of community concern is geared toward who purchases the property.
Bellevue is phasing into a “newer, younger” time in terms of the residential space and desire for more residential options and attractions for the community, so it's important for the Kent to maintain that residential feel.
“The resurgence of urban living is affecting all of the river cities," Lonneman says. "The more Northern Kentucky is seen as a viable urban living option in comparison to Cincinnati, the better it is for the general area. Bellevue and Covington are like apples and oranges. Bellevue has a more residential feel than Covington. It is inviting, charming and we do see the next generation flocking to it.”
Shaping the development and rejuvenation of Bellevue is inevitable, according to the city's zoning commission. However, it doesn’t want to stop the potential of newer and younger heading in its direction, and Orleans Development understands that in taking on this project.
“We want to bring more urban living options to Bellevue," Lonneman says. "Bellevue's population has declined over the past decade. This development will bring young professionals and millennials to the area. We've seen it in Covington — millennials rent in the city, become involved and take pride in the community and eventually buy homes.”
For more information regarding the project and purchase of the property, click here.
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