Mixed-use apartment building to fill former emissions testing site

A four-story apartment building with ground-floor retail will be built on the site of the state’s motor vehicle emission inspection station on Hamilton Street, according to city permit data.

The $9.2 million Philomena Project at 920 N. Hamilton St. would have a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments on the top three floors. The first story would be reserved for retail, commercial or a restaurant. The building would have more than 100,000 square feet and would front Hamilton. A parking lot would be behind the building and hidden from the street.

A separate $6.2 million, four-story parking garage also has been proposed on the property, which was purchased for $2.9 million in July by Philomena LLC.

The site became available for development after the state decided to end its mandatory vehicle emissions testing beginning in 2020. For nearly 40 years, the state has required all vehicles get tested before their registration could be renewed. The agency anticipates air quality will continue to improve as “newer, cleaner vehicles replace older, less-efficient models.”

The project is led by Kent Hull, who owns Philomena LLC and the Iron Bridge Corporate Park on Trent Avenue. It is being designed by Ron Joseph.