Lawrence City Commission to consider controversial downtown apartment project

City leaders will soon consider controversial plans to build a five-story apartment and retail building near the southern entrance of downtown Lawrence.

The Hub at Lawrence would stretch the width of the block between Massachusetts and New Hampshire streets and include more than 550 bedrooms targeted to college students. Due primarily to the main building’s height and size, the city’s historic preservation board recently denied the project two required certifications. Developers appealed that decision to the Lawrence City Commission, which will consider the appeal as part of its meeting Tuesday.