Ideas for a Commercially-zoned Building in a Great Location

[Alex Huang]

I'm looking to hear if any one has any experience or creative ideas for a building that is available in a great location.

Initially, I thought the building would make for a great 4-plex. It's located within walking distance of a great community park, groceries, and restaurants. It's in a good school district as well. The building has been vacant for quite some time now (more than a year).

Unfortunately, I spoke with the city planner and it doesn't sound like rezoning of the property to residential is possible. They cited that the surrounding businesses deter them from a willingness to rezone because it would be on its own residential island. Frankly, I was a little surprised by this response since the building has been empty for so long. Is this a standard policy?

Are there any creative ways to get around this to convert this property into a residential property? Or maybe a hybrid commercial unit + 3 residential? There is a 100+ apartment complex about a half mile down the street from this building, FWIW.

I don't have much experience in the commercial / zoning, so I was hopeful to gain some insight on potential strategies here.