St. Joseph's to Redevelop former May-McCully House Site

You might recall the shabby rental at 757 Center Street. It was demolished this summer and sold to St. Joseph's parish.

They've initiated a file with the City for a small apartment block, a seven-plex. They call it a "priest residence," but it must be more than merely a parsonage.

Proposed seven-plex

It looks like a terrific addition to Center Street and good infill replacement for an undervalued building that was more historic than we realized, though again it had declined and may not have been worth saving.

• "Fate of 757 Center Street Italianate a little Careless"
• "A Crooked Secretary of State, a Steamboat Magnate, and a House Move: 757 Center Street's Early Story"

The brick cladding immediately calls to mind the Robert Lindsey tower by SAIF as well as the arches on the bank building across from the old City Hall site.

• "Mid-Century Brick Arches Embody Spirit of Old City Hall"
  

Even with three garage bays on the alley, it fits on a residential lot. Seven homes! This is more like the streetcar era main street development in the Historic District downtown. It would not be possible with mandated parking minimums.

When the file is complete and there is more of a narrative for the approvals process there might be more to say. But at first glance, this looks neat. More of this, please!