Wright City officials are considering two proposals to expand apartment housing options for two very different demographics.

The first proposal would create 28 new senior living apartments on an empty plot of land between Dollar General and the Northridge apartment complex. Labeled the ‘Sycamore Lane Apartments,’ the housing complex would be restricted to residents who are 55 and older, according to documents submitted by architect firm MW Weber Architects and property owner Ray Bayer Jr.

Representatives discussed their plans Monday, April 20, during a meeting with Wright City planning and zoning officials. The layout of the property would include seven buildings on about 2.3 acres. Each building is designed with four single-bedroom units.

To allow for construction that exceeds the city’s normal housing density limits, the developers are asking for the land to be designated as a “planned development area” that classifies the apartments as a senior residential complex. The Wright City Planning and Zoning Commission, an advisory board, recommended approval of the plans April 20. The city’s board of aldermen will take a final vote Thursday, April 23.

City Administrator Jim Schuchmann said Wright City is in need of more apartments units to accommodate a growing population with diverse housing needs.

“Over the years, I’ve been asked on numerous occasions by seniors here in Wright City, “When are we going to get some senior town homes? I’m tired of mowing the grass, I just want something where someone else takes care of the outside.’” Schuchmann commented. “The demand is there.”

Other proposal in question

Another proposal for new apartments, however, has a longer way to go before it gets a green light.

Adam Pollard, of Pollard Properties, came to the planning and zoning commission Monday with a discussion of an expansion at the former Westwood Village off of Westwoods Drive, near Wright City High School. Recently renamed Broadstone Apartments, the complex has been cleaned up, renovated, and marketed to ‘young professionals,’ Pollard told the planning commission.

The apartment complex has a history with a negative reputation. Pollard said his company has aimed to turn that around, and is now in need of more units to meet demand.

“We have realized there’s a very strong demand for the (apartments) we’re providing, especially in the one-bedroom layout,” Pollard said. He proposed building 32 new, one-bedroom apartments on about an acre of open ground next to the existing buildings.

The trouble for that proposal, city officials said, is that it doesn’t have the ‘senior home’ exemption for housing density. Pollard said his company doesn’t want to restrict the property to senior residents.

Members of the planning commission discussed whether changes could be made to the city codes to better accommodate single-bedroom apartments, rather than treating all apartments the same. Schuchmann responded that the discussion would have to go to the city attorney and would require action from the board of aldermen. That means approval for the project could still be a long way off.

Still, Mayor Dan Rowden said apartments for young people is also a growing need in the city.

“What we’re seeing in Millennials, is they may not want to go out and buy a house, but they’re good with renting,” Rowden commented.