Well this is something different. Just about every construction project we cover involves a developer buying some land, building a building of some kind, and moving forward with an effort to either sell or rent out the property. But at 1506-08 E. Palmer St., that's not what's happening at all. Instead, the Grupp family purchased this parcel and are going to build a single-family home on the property that they'll use as their family home.
The Grupps have taken the unusual step of setting up a website that describes their plan. And they've really done their homework. On the website, they've compiled information about the former residents of this address, archived zoning plans for the property, and general information about the rest of the block. From what they can determine, a fire occurred at this property back in the mid-1930s, destroying some very old wooden homes. And the parcel has sat vacant ever since, despite waves of construction that continue to this day. For example, the Reach Baseball Factory across the street was nicely rehabbed just a couple of years ago.
The property at 1506-08 E. Palmer St. measures just over 3,000 sqft, and could be subdivded into two single-family lots by right. With a zoning variance, it could accommodate at least three, if not four homes, with ease. When the property was listed for sale earlier this year, the former owners were surely expecting that a developer would come forward with just that sort of plan, but as we said, the new owners are only constructing one home here which will have parking access on Memphis Street. The Grupps are designing the home as wheelchair accessible, with separate living space for themselves and their disabled adult son. In addition, they'll attempt to meet passive house standards.
To follow their progress, keep an eye on the project website.