GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The City Commission unanimously approved rezoning a property at 3113 Plaza Drive Northeast from office use to mixed-density residential, clearing the way for future housing development on the irregularly shaped lot.

Commissioner Lisa Knight, who presented the item, said the property’s unusual configuration and existing cell tower easements made it better suited for residential rather than office development.

“The Modern Era Neighborhood Mixed Density Residential District is intended to permit the moderate to high-density single-use development pattern that presently exists,” Knight said during Tuesday’s meeting.

The rezoning changes the property designation from Neighborhood Office Services to Modern Era Neighborhood Mixed Density Residential, which allows for a broader range of housing options including single-family homes, duplexes, and small apartment buildings.

Knight explained that the property’s irregular shape and the presence of easements for telecommunications infrastructure created challenges for traditional office development. The residential zoning provides more flexibility for developers to work around these constraints.

The unanimous vote suggests commissioners saw the rezoning as a straightforward land use decision that aligns with the city’s broader housing goals. No public opposition was noted during the meeting.

The property owner can now pursue residential development plans, though any specific projects would still require separate approval through the city’s planning process. The rezoning itself doesn’t guarantee any particular type of development will be built.

The change reflects Grand Rapids’ ongoing efforts to increase housing options throughout the city, particularly in areas where previous zoning may not match current market demands or physical site constraints.