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GREENSBORO — To appease neighbors, a local developer has reduced the size of a proposed project on North Elm Street.

But a historic home on the property is still likely to be razed, the developer said Thursday.

 John Stratton’s  plans for town houses at North Elm Street and Cornwallis Drive will go before the Greensboro City Council on Feb. 2.

Before then, he will have one last meeting with neighbors at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Sherwood Tennis Club, 100 Alma Pinnix Drive.

Stratton is the second developer in a year to take on the property at that intersection.

His rezoning plans — which originally called for 24 condominiums — did not have enough votes to pass the City Council in November . The proposal will get a second hearing and reconsideration  next month.

Since November, Stratton has reduced the size of the project to 14 town house units and changed the height and look of it to gain the support of neighbors, he said.

Abutters to the property filed a protest petition against the rezoning, which means the project has to gain support from at least six  council members to be approved.

Council members Robbie Perkins  and Nancy Vaughan both must abstain from voting on the issue. Perkins’ company has a financial stake in the property, and Vaughan’s husband has advised the project’s opponents.

Even if some opponents are appeased by the changes, local history buffs and alumnae of Woman’s College, now UNCG, are still likely to be disappointed.

The project calls for the demolition of the Commencement House, the home at 2207 N. Elm St.  built by Woman’s College students in 1958 with the help of local architect Edward Loewenstein .

Local historic preservationists have called for the home’s protection. To that end, Stratton offered to give anyone willing to move the house 150 days to do so.

Stratton said he will allow anyone to take the home or parts of it.

Contact Amanda Lehmert at 373-7075 and amanda.lehmert@news-record.com