Plans for new downtown apartments move forward

BRAINERD — Permits are in place for new apartment units in downtown Brainerd. City Council members approved a conditional use permit on Nov. 2 for property owner Dave Pueringer to create commercial space and apartment units at 722 Laurel St., which was formerly Bob and Fran’s. The proposal includes plans to convert the main floor into two commercial spaces, the second floor into three apartment units, and the third floor into seven apartments. The council also agreed to grant Pueringer a variance from the parking requirements. City code requires one parking space per housing unit, which would equate to 10 units for this project. Pueringer reported he has four off-street parking spots for the building but is unable to obtain any more after checking with the city and neighboring property owners. Planning commissioners discussed the matter at length last month, grappling with concerns about downtown parking while understanding the city’s need for more housing.

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