Affordable housing and a mixed-use project on Spring Street are nearing final approval

A parcel of land at 18th and Spring streets in Paso Robles once housed a gas station, but it has been vacant for years. However, plans are in the works to change that.

New real estate owner Tobin James, owner of Tobin James Cellars, launched the Spring Street Affordable Housing and Mixed-Use Project two years ago. The Paso Robles City Council approved the project earlier this month.

“It will take some time for the architects and engineers to design the project and then it will have to go through a building permit review with the city,” said Assistant City Planner Katie Banister.

The current building across the street from DK’s Donut Shop is zoned for commercial and residential use. Before the construction plans are sent to the city, the city council must approve the rezoning plans for the hotel.

“They have a full site plan, all the different details, but they’re not at the level where you can hand it over to a contractor and they can start building,” Banister added.

The general manager of nearby Paso Market Walk says she’s excited to see what James can bring to the area to make it as vibrant as downtown.

Jerry Ulrich frequents the market walk and also feels like more can be done.

“We’re kind of in the middle of Spring Street, not right downtown,” Ulrich said. “So there needs to be a bit more development here. Market Walk is great, so it will be a good addition to that, but the affordable housing part is also critical.”

The site plan includes two commercial tenant spaces on the ground floor, 16 hotel rooms and eight one-bedroom apartments.

Parking spaces on site and the height requirements are the only two things that do not comply. However, Banister says the developer plans to use California’s Affordable Housing Density Bonus to retrofit the five short-term parking spaces and the 37-foot-plus elevator.

The final public hearing on the project will take place next Tuesday, November 5, at the Paso Robles City Council meeting.