904 Campbell Street.

The city zoning hearing board Thursday granted a “use” variance to Hutchinson Companies for its request to renovate an existing building at 904 Campbell St.

The structure is just north of UPMC Susquehanna.

Gabriel A. Hutchinson, senior vice president of the firm asking for the variance, said the 32 apartments would be modern and the exterior would not be deviated when renovation took place.

The zone was institutional and the developer needed the variance for residential purposes for multi-family use, he said.

The dark red colored building once housed the second location of the Home for the Friendless, a philanthropic institution, founded by the ladies of Williamsport in 1872. For almost 80 years, the home provided living quarters for aged and infirm ladies, as well as children and infants, according to historical records taken from historian John F. Meginness, in his book, History of Lycoming County, 1892.

The building also was used as training headquarters for the former Williamsport Paramedic Training Institute and housed physicians’ offices. One physician there will end the lease in December, Hutchinson said.

“We like that part of the historical significance of the building,” Hutchinson said.

The vote was 4 to 1. Voting in favor were Marylou Baldys, Janet McDermott, William Miele and Hannah Darrow. Board member Michele Frey voted against the variance request “reluctantly” because of use parameters saying the building could be purchased and used for another purpose based on her reading of the zoning ordinance.

The developer will have appropriate number of parking spaces and entrance will be on the parking lot side. The parking area will be gated with likely passcode entry, Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson said if the rest of the process proceeded with the city he envisioned a $4 million investment in a neighborhood consisting of mostly residential and some rental properties.

The company has developed similarly near the Divine Providence Hospital with Providence Place, a 32-unit executive level suite apartment complex converted from a former convent.