Future of Old Macy’s building still unclear

The future of the building at 201 N. Stadium Blvd.–better known as the Old Macy’s building–is still unclear Tuesday night after Columbia’s Board of Adjustment rejected an application for a building height variance.

The Kroenke Group wants to put in four retailers, as well as office space, in the building that’s been vacant since 2016.

The real estate developer’s plans also include the construction of two lighthouse towers. The maximum height for a building in the mixed-use corridor zoning district is 45 feet. TKG’s attorney Robert Hollis asked for a building height variance of 11 feet 6 inches in order to build the towers.

Hollis wouldn’t say what retailers TKG is talking to, but said they are some of the top 10 in the country and the changes would make the space more appealing.

“The purpose of all of this, and all of the time and effort that has been spent has been to woo these tenants. That’s what we do,” Hollis told the board at its meeting Tuesday.

TKG needed four votes for approval of the variance, but only three board members voted in favor.

“I think that asking for an 11′ 6″ variance is asking for too much,” Board of Adjustment member Peter Norgard said.

Other members of the board said a vacant building isn’t what Columbia residents want.

“I doubt they imagined a warehouse at this site,” Philip Clithero said.

This marks the second time TKG’s request has been rejected. The developer can try to appeal the decision in 13th Judicial Circuit Court.

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