Franklin at the Conservatory, rendering via Dean A Wenz Architects, Inc.

A plan to build a four-story condominium building on a prominent parcel across from Franklin Park is moving forward.

The proposed building at 1676 E. Broad St. would hold 36 condominiums, with enough parking in a ground level garage and rear parking lot to hold 53 cars.

A small 1950’s-era office building would be demolished to make way for the new development, which is being pursued by the locally-based developer and property manager Homestead America.

The project requires a handful of minor variances, most related to how far the building is set back from each property line. A variance for parking is also required since existing zoning calls for one additional space than is being provided.

Those requests, which were approved by the Near East Area Commission (NEAC), will go before the Board of Zoning Adjustment on October 24.

A previous plan for the site called for a five-story building with 56 units. That plan, which utilized a small surface lot north of the alley behind the building for additional parking, was rejected by NEAC, prompting the changes.

The developer has worked out an agreement with the city’s Traffic Management division to make improvements to the alley, according to Anthony Celebrezze of the Department of Building and Zoning Services.