The Washington City Council directed staff last night to draft an ordinance change allowing residence on the first floor of buildings in the downtown district. The proposed change will reinforce the desire to maintain and preserve storefronts, but would allow residences only in the back portions of properties. The ordinance will be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning board and then brought before council to be considered.

The consideration for the change was spurred by a couple’s request to purchase a building in the downtown district and reside on the first floor. In their proposal, they would preserve the storefronts of the building, while investing in the building and developing apartments upstairs. The building George and Denise Button are considering for purchase is at 114 North Iowa Avenue.