By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

HYDE PARK - Zoning approval was upheld Monday for a six-story building on the site of a vacant gas station in this neighborhood's business square.

Following a three-hour hearing, Cincinnati's Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously rejected an appeal to halt Michigan Terrace, at Erie and Michigan avenues. The appeal against what would be the tallest building on the square was filed by owners of an adjacent property. Last fall, city officials approved zoning for the $8 million to $10 million building, a mix of condominiums with businesses.

"It was a difficult decision," Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Caleb Faux said. "There were good arguments on both sides. But the bottom line is this is a substantial, positive addition to the square."

Developers with Al Neyer Inc. and Lantrust Real Estate Group were pleased, noting that they have changed plans for the building - such as tiering the top two stories to appease some residents.

But Monday's decision isn't the final word on the controversy. On March 11, the building's plans goes before Bill Langevin, director of Cincinnati's Department of Buildings and Inspections, for permission to increase the number of condos.

Another zoning variance is needed for the 55,000-square-foot building because the original concept has changed. Original plans called for stores on the first story, offices on the second and 11 condos on the upper floors. There also were to be two underground parking levels and the garage entrance was off Michigan. Zoning approval for that plan was the one appealed and upheld Monday.

But now, plans call for one underground level of parking, the garage entrance off Erie facing the square, retail on the first story, no offices and 18 condos.

Todd Munro, who manages the Hyde Park Terrace building that's home to the Vineyard Cafe, said Monday he is eager for the new development. It could break ground as early as this summer.

"It is going to be a good asset for the square, especially since it has its own parking," Munro said.

But the adjacent property owner - and other upset Hyde Park residents - aren't giving up, contending the changes would diminish the square's character and charm.

The Hodory family, which owns the Hyde Park Medical Arts Building, says the battle will end up before a judge.

"Hyde Park Square is in dire jeopardy," Tim Hodory said, adding that a court appeal would be filed within 30 days. "The real decision will be made in court."

The Hodorys and others opposed to the building contend it will increase traffic and parking problems and cut off the east end of the block from the rest of the square.

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E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com