Edina approves hotel-to-apartment conversion despite parking concerns
Edina's Planning Commission unanimously approved converting the Marriott Residence Inn into 136 apartments on Wednesday, waiving a zoning requirement for enclosed parking. The decision aims to address a shortage of affordable rental housing in the city.
The Planning Commission voted 10-0 to approve the project, which would transform 133 existing hotel units into 136 apartments without any exterior changes to the building. The key approval was a variance allowing zero enclosed parking spaces, contrary to city zoning code that typically requires one parking space per apartment unit.
City staff recommended approval, arguing the project met variance criteria and would provide "naturally occurring affordable housing" — units that are affordable without government subsidies. The applicant, Patrick Jutton, said the project addresses a gap in Edina's rental market. According to the proposal, 44 of the 136 units would target residents earning 60-80% of the area median income. Staff also recommended the City Council consider requiring a contribution to the Pedestrian Cyclist Fund.
Public comment revealed a split perspective. Supporter Steve Brown urged approval, calling the 136 units "much needed affordable housing." However, neighbor Lee Silva opposed the conversion, arguing that apartments promote renting over homeownership and don't build equity or provide a pathway to financial stability. Brookdale Senior Living, an adjacent facility, raised security concerns about the building's connectivity.
Commissioners debated whether to require long-term affordability guarantees. Commissioner Miranda supported approval but recommended the City Council mandate some guarantee of affordable housing, noting that naturally occurring affordable housing is being lost citywide. Commissioner Alai disagreed, expressing confidence that market forces would keep rents affordable without additional restrictions. The project is 7 stories tall and 66 feet high, within the city's 12-story height limit. The decision now moves to the City Council for final approval.
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Votes (1)
Public Hearing: Marriott Residence Inn Conversion to Apartments & Parking Variance
Dissent: None. The motion passed unanimously (all Commissioners voted 'Aye').
Moved by Commissioner Miranda [1:32:53] · Seconded by Commissioner Day [1:33:12]
Staff presented the proposal to convert 133 hotel units into 136 apartment units with no exterior changes. A key aspect was the request for a variance from the zoning code's requirement for enclosed parking, as the existing hotel had none. Staff argued the variance met practical difficulty criteria, noting other Edina apartments lack enclosed parking and the conversion would reduce traffic. The applicant emphasized the project's 'naturally affordable' nature without government subsidies, targeting 60-80% AMI, and detailed interior changes and security plans. Public comments ranged from strong support for affordable housing and adaptive reuse to concerns about security, lack of homeownership opportunities, and the absence of guaranteed affordability. Commissioners debated the balance between zoning requirements, the need for affordable housing, and potential future changes to the property's affordability status.
Notable Quotes (7)
staff is recommending approval of the site plan and the requested variances that are variance subject to the findings and conditions in the staff report.
we um uh in getting into this project kind of looked at it as an opportunity to um really come into uh a hole in the Ed rental marketplace where there is a lot of affordable options naturally occurring.
I'm going to urge you this evening to support this proposed conversion This action will result in 136 units of much needed affordable housing in a Dina of these 44 units will be for people who are earning between 60 and 80% of the area median income.
I'm here today to say that I'm opposed to converting our local hotel into an apartment because I don't believe Apartments genuinely offer affordable housing the core issue with Apartments is they promote renting over ownership renting unlike owning does not build equity or offer a pathway to financial stability.
it is providing that naturally occurring affordable housing that we deeply need.
there's no physical impediment to building the parking um even though it's a expensive and I think wasteful but but that's not what the ordinance says so um I think I think we should pass this with uh you know a recommendation to council that they require some sort of guarantee of affordable housing.
I personally don't feel a need for guarantees or additional restrictions or regulations or promises um I think it's going to stay affordable just because the Market's going to demand it until someday it's developed into into something else.
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
Mixed Development District, current zoning for the project site.
Allows up to 12 stories; the project at 7 stories/66 feet is within this limit.
The specific code requirement for apartments that the variance requests to waive.
Referenced in variance criteria, requires consistency with the plan.
City plan mentioned by applicant that highlights the need for affordable housing.
Industry current manual published by The Institute of Transportation Engineers, used to estimate traffic and parking demand.
Manual used to estimate parking needs for different land uses.
Cited by Commissioner Miranda regarding the annual loss of affordable housing units.
Discriminatory clauses in property deeds discussed by Commissioners Alai and Felt.
Initiative where lawyers donate time to remove racial covenants from properties, in which Edina participates.
Source document
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