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A project team proposing to convert an existing three-story historic building in Northwest Portland into a private club and construct a five-story, mixed-use building on a surface parking lot on the property received design advice from the Historic Landmarks Commission on Monday.

The 29,997-square-foot site includes an existing building on the southern parcel and a parking lot on the northern parcel. The building, at 1819 N.W. Everett St., was constructed in 1909 as the First Church of Christ, Scientist. In 1978, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Most recently it was a theater.

The new five-story building, which would include a hotel, a restaurant and retail spaces, would be located at 1880 N.W. Flanders St.

The total project valuation is $30 million, according to a Bureau of Development Services memo.

An apartment complex next to the historic building would remain.

鈥淭he proposed hotel is set back 10 feet from that existing property line from the apartment building,鈥� staff planner Hannah Bryant said during Monday’s hearing.

The project owner is Gaia Ventures II LLC of Las Vegas. The architect is Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture LLC (HPA) of Chicago.

The project team, led by Founders Developments, is aiming to replace parking with an active use as well as ensure the historic building’s longevity and its standing on the national register.

鈥淲e intend to convert this property into an exceptional boutique hotel, while restoring and preserving the facades of the historic building,鈥� Founders Developments Managing Partner Tanya Toby said.

Space in the historic building would be transformed to accommodate events, food and beverage storage, wellness services, a spa, and other uses. A caf茅 is planned for the east section of the basement. The building’s interior would be retrofitted for new elevators. The first floor would include a restaurant, a coworking area and more. The second floor, currently an auditorium, would have club/event space.

A glass guardrail is proposed for the roof. The east chimney has been partially removed to accommodate a stairway. The team proposes removing the northeast chimney and replacing it with another stairway.

Many windows have been covered with acrylic plastic or wood. Part of the restoration would involve repair and refurbishment of windows. To let additional light to enter the building, a clear glass is proposed for all street-facing facades.

A concern expressed by commissioners was potential replacement of the original windows. Commissioners recommended that a thorough analysis of the windows be performed.

Some modifications in the proposal include removing the existing elevator, adding glass parapets around the roof, creating an outdoor seating area, and adding adjacent walls or other landscaping to accommodate the newly widened sidewalk.

Between the historic building and the new one, HPA is proposing installation of a covered canopy.

鈥淲e anticipate this to be a fabric awning structure, something that is temporary and not constructed or attached to the existing building,鈥� HPA principal Andrew Becker said.

The new building would have a rooftop penthouse. The pedestrian-focused ground floor would include food and beverage use as well as three primary storefront bays. Floors two through five would have approximately 80 hotel rooms, and balconies on upper floors would have Juliet railings. A full basement would feature amenity and back-of-house uses.

Modifications for the hotel call for a corner entrance as well as multiple styles and sizes of windows. The project team believes a corner entry would be best for the hotel, Becker said, because there would be retail spaces on the ground floor. An open lobby would connect the hotel to those retail spaces.

The commissioners indicated favor for the proposed corner entrance, which would be apart from the proposed loading dock location. They also expressed interest in learning how the building would relate to the surrounding district, and not just the historic building itself.

The hotel design presented to the Historic Landmarks Commission on Monday was different than one previously shown to the Northwest District Association Planning Committee. Commissioners expressed that they preferred elements of that previous iteration. For instance, Commission Chair Kristen Minor said a light-colored brick would be better than stucco for a portion of the exterior. Also, multiple commissioners stated that arched windows included in the latest design were not necessary.

Type III design review approval is required for the project. A land use application will be reviewed when it is submitted. The next step for HPA will be to either schedule a second design advice hearing before the Historic Landmarks Commission or continue in the land use process.