The former owner of Avondale Brewing Company is seeking to turn four single-story houses about a block from the brewery into a mixed-use space.

Coby Lake and Birmingham Properties, LLC has asked the city of Birmingham to rezone the property at 101 42nd Street South from R-4A, Medium Density Residential District to MU-M, Mixed Use Low District.

The three-member planning and zoning committee of the Birmingham City Council on Thursday voted against the request. The rezoning request will still go before the full city council for a vote in the coming weeks unless the owner withdraws it.

Councilor Steven Hoyt, who chairs the committee, and Council President Valerie Abbott said they couldn't support the rezoning.

"It is spot zoning as I see it, and I am not in favor of it," Hoyt said. "It isn't fair to the residents."

Scott Phillips, an architect who represented the property owner, didn't specifically say what was proposed for the renovated brick structures.

He did argue that the property is "highly exceptional," and the mixed-use zoning would be appropriate because it is next to railroad tracks and across the street from a parking lot.

The mixed-use low district zoning would allow a variety of residential, office and retail.

A grass courtyard is proposed for the back of property, according to a site plan of the property.

Councilor Darrell O'Quinn said the houses are more than a 100 years old and are former residences of Avondale Mill workers. He said rent on the residential units won't allow the owner to recoup his investment in renovating the structures.

Lake didn't return a message seeking comment on the project.