Minneapolis city staff members have recommended that the planning commission approve a conditional-use permit and several variances for a proposed mixed-use development in northeast Minneapolis that will revive two long-abandoned warehouses.

City planners will consider the matter on April 7.

St. Louis Park-based Bader Development and Nolan Properties Group of Wayzata have proposed apartments and street-level retail space for the warehouses at 700 and 708 Central Av. NE. New construction is also planned for an adjacent lot along SE. 7th Street.

Built in 1901, the warehouses have been eyed by other development firms in recent years as the site of a possible hotel and condominiums.

Nolan Properties bought the property in 2011 for $1.75 million. The current redevelopment plan involves renovating the internally connected existing buildings, adding 10,000 square feet of retail space, and erecting a new building with residential units.

The conditional-use permit would allow the developer to increase the height of 708 Central Av. NE and 119-123 7th St. SE (the new building) from four to eight stories. The variances deal with retail space, setbacks and off-street parking.