Melenthin Birdhouse on Track for Cultural Designation

Mar 7, 2025 | Home, Planning

April 1, 2025 Update:

5922-5930 N. Buffalo Ave. (same site that has a Historic Cultural Monument (HCM) designation in process)
Letter of Compliance – Ministerial Density Bonus Affordable Housing Incentive Program

Ministerial Density Bonus 5922-5930 Buffalo

FYI: The Letter does mention the Mellenthin HCM designation in progress at this address, but this density bonus was applied for by the owner of the property who is proposing to demolish and build a 5 story apartment building on the site. The HCM designation is being applied for by an adjacent neighbor. The Planning Dept. had to give this density bonus ministerially based on the mayor’s executive order.

birdhouse apartments

Apartments at 5922-5930 Buffalo Avenue were slated for demolition, but due to community activism, have been identified as potential Historic-Cultural Landmarks due to their Mellenthin Birdhouse design. Their Historic-Cultural Landmark Status is going next to City Council to be voted upon.

Planning and Land Use Management Notes:

5922-5930 Buffalo  CHC-2024-6156-HCM; ENV 2024-6157-CE; CD2
Note: independent of demolition permit applications, this property has been nominated for Historic-Cultural Monument status as the William Mellerthin Birdhouse Apartments 5922-5930 Buffalo Avenue, even numbers only.
On October 17, 2024 the Cultural Heritage Commission reviewed and moved to take the proposed designation under consideration with a site visit on November 14, 2024.
Link to Historic Cultural Monument application packet on Zimas: