ASHLAND — Ashland City Council rezoned the downtown construction area that promises apartments, a hotel and other commercial possibilities during its Tuesday night meeting.Â
The unanimous move marks the latest in a recent series of actions ahead of the estimated $43.5 million Pump House District.
The Pump House District is a nearly 12-acre geographic area of downtown Ashland. There are two main projects within that umbrella term. One of them features 192 market-rate apartments. The other includes the renovation of the former Pumphouse office building at the intersection of East Fourth and Orange streets.
Council changed that area’s existing zone from light industrial to general business.
Light industrial zones allow for manufacturing and fabrication of “rubber and plastic products,” according to the city’s zoning ordinances.Â
General business districts allow for establishments like bowling alleys, pool halls and used car lots. But these zones also allow for “group living accommodations.”
“It’s exciting to see the dirt moving over there,” said councilwoman Angela Woodward.
The entire project lies within the 4th ward, Woodward’s ward. Woodward supports the project, which has been criticized by her challenger, Zachery Casler, as a “beautification project” that is “pushing out the more poor class.”
Update to the hotel
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller said Tuesday he spoke with developers who plan to transform the vacant Pumphouse building into a 93-room hotel. He said the team told him “it’s entirely possible” that construction could start there in a month.
Plans there involve demolition of parts of the building and the removal of a crumbling retaining wall along Church Street. Developers plan to build a marketplace, conference room and guest laundry area, along with the 93 “suite-style” rooms.
“It’s gonna be quite impressive when it’s done,” Miller said. “So it looks like we might be getting close.”
