November 21, 2024
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Apartments for historic site of former senior center gets go-ahead

Village Board gave final zoning approval and OK’d sale of the building to True North Properties Inc.

By Aaron Dorman
The historic building at 441 West Main Street in Cary was first built in 1888 and was used as a senior center until last year; the future of the site was discussed at a Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.

The historic building at 441 W. Main St. in Cary was first built in 1888 and was used as a senior center until last year. The building is now set to be part of a 10-unit apartment complex after the site plan was approved Tuesday evening by the Village Board. (Aaron Dorman)

Developers can now move forward on a 10-unit residential complex that will include the 134-year-old former Kraus Senior Center at 441 S. Main St.

The Cary Village Board approved the final zoning changes at its meeting Tuesday night, as well as the sale of the property – for $100,000 – to complete the village’s role in the project.

The plan was adjusted from earlier in the summer to address concerns from both the Village Board and residents, who wanted to ensure significant buffering or landscaping between the development and their property, Director of Community Development Brian Simmons said.

The approved development will include two new three-story apartment buildings on the property, rather than the initially proposed three, as well as surface parking and garage units.

Converting the site to a residential property is part of the village staff’s plan to increase both housing and density near Cary’s downtown area, Simmons said.

Cary Mayor Mark Kownick, as well as members of the Village Board, reiterated their enthusiasm for the proposal, although Kownick noted there had been “lots of conversations, lots of back and forth” from neighbors, although none were in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting.

A rendering for a possible repurposing of the parcel at 441 West Main Street in Cary, which includes a historic school building over 120 years old; an initial concept by True North Properties, Inc., shown here, includes several small apartment buildings and garage units designed to match the original structure.

A rendering for a possible repurposing of the parcel at 441 West Main Street in Cary, which includes a historic school building over 120 years old; an initial concept by True North Properties, Inc., shown here, includes several small apartment buildings and garage units designed to match the original structure. (Provided by True North Properties, Inc.)

“The lack of residents here means they are trusting us to move forward with what we committed to in the past,” Kownick said, adding that the southern buffer will include at least a 15-foot setback in addition to landscaping.

Kownick also said he thinks the project will enhance neighboring property values.

“I am absolutely thrilled we are doing this,” village Trustee Ellen McAlpine said. “I think it is prudent we are repurposing this building. It has such historic value. True North did a great job [making adjustments to the site plan], and I think this will conform very nicely to the neighborhood and be a nice project.”

The building on the site, currently unoccupied and owned by the village, was first constructed in 1888 as a school; since that time, additions have been made. It was used as a senior center from 2003 to 2021.

The Cary Park District moved senior activities to the Community Center on Briargate Road, as the older structure on Main Street was not as accommodating to seniors because of its narrow doors and lack of facilities such as an elevator, park district Executive Director Dan Jones said last December.

The Village Board approved a redevelopment agreement for the property Aug. 16 and held a formal bid Sept. 20, for which True North Properties was the sole bidder, according to the meeting agenda documents.

The ordinance passed Tuesday evening stipulates that prior to the developer receiving the building permits, the village will have a chance to review landscaping plans.

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