A developer is preparing to transform a dilapidated building on Dubuque's north end with some help from the city in grants and tax incentives.

Steve Emerson of 3000 Jackson LC is planning to redevelop the old Dubuque Brewing and Malting Building on Jackson St. It's going to include retail space, more than 100 apartment units and parking. Emerson is getting more than $3 million from the city of Dubuque to complete the $30 million project.

Despite the city council approving the agreement 7-0 at Monday night's meeting, councilwoman Kate Larson had several concerns about the developer's plan for the building.

One of her concerns is the price of the apartment units. Emerson plans to have about 100 one bedroom and efficiency units. He estimates the one bedroom apartments will run $800 a month, while efficiency rooms will top out at $650.

Larson believes that's a high rent price.

"I would have liked to see a stipulation that a certain percentage of units stay affordable or are at a certain level of income for renters," Larson said.

Emerson said he understands city officials say that might be too high for the area.

"the feedback I got was that’s a little bit high for there, so we’re gonna look to reduce that," he said, adding he is looking for even more grants and tax incentives that could bring down his construction cost.

City of Dubuque Economic Development Director Maurice Jones said the city did not include a housing affordability stipulation in the agreement because of the financing Emerson is receiving.

"Generally speaking, it comes to where you receive your funding from," Jones explained. "So if you use CDBG or other kind of state programming dollars, then that’s when affordable kicks in. So that wasn’t done in this case.”

Another concern for Larson is the lack of larger apartment units that could fit couples or small families. Right now Emerson plans to have about six two bedroom apartments.

Larson said that's just not enough space for people, "especially if they’re right out of college and if it’s a one bedroom, you know they can’t have a roommate. I think that that’s not realistic for a lot of people.”

Emerson said he will work with city officials to determine the need for larger apartment units.

"In the meeting they suggested perhaps looking at doing some larger units, like two bedrooms, three bedrooms, something like that," he said. "I’ll explore that and look at it, see if that’s a good thing and see what your housing department there says about that."

Larson did vote in favor for the agreement, saying she did so because it will be a great asset to Dubuque's north end.

"We are thrilled it’s not getting torn down and not just that, but it will be reused and come alive again up in the north end," she said.

Larson also believes she'll be able to work with the developer to make some of the changes she wants to see.

"I’m really excited. I think that the developer is willing to work with us on some of these things, and I definitely look forward to working with him on that," she said.

Jones agrees it will be great for the north end.

"That building itself is a wonderful structure," he said. "It would just be a spectacular benefit for an asset to the community."