But because that area of Fremont and Exeter streets is zoned for manufacturing -- not multifamily housing -- the Planning Board last night recommended an adaptive reuse overlay district to give the developer more flexibility to renovate the building. The Abrams Group, a Boston-based real estate development and investment firm, intends to buy the building at 160 Fremont St. for the condominium conversion, according to Samuel R. DeSimone, a local lawyer representing the company.

The building was the home of the Worcester Public Library a few years ago while the main library building at Salem Square was being renovated and expanded.

Instead of trying to rezone the area and create nonconforming uses, Mr. DeSimone said it makes more sense to designate the area for adaptive reuse. He said such an overlay district would maintain the existing zoning in that area while allowing the needed renovations from factory structure to housing.

In his petition, Mr. DeSimone asked that the overlay district be designated in an area roughly bounded by Fremont Street, Sutton Lane, St. John's Road and Cambridge Street.

``An adaptive reuse overlay district would be a perfect fit there,'' Mr. DeSimone said. ``The neighborhood need not be concerned about this district. It simply enhances the uses for this property and allows us to do more.''

Such a district also relaxes the requirements for off-street parking. Under the city's zoning ordinance, two parking spaces are required for each housing unit. With adaptive reuse, the requirement is 1.5 spaces per unit.

Mr. DeSimone said that 160 Fremont St. has 150 off-street parking spaces, which would comply with the adaptive reuse requirement.

Joel J. Fontane Jr. the city's planning director, said an adaptive reuse overlay district there would be an appropriate use of that planning tool.

District 4 City Councilor Barbara G. Haller, whose district includes that area, spoke in favor of the petition. She said neighborhood meetings on the proposed development have generally been favorable.

She said about 50 people attended a meeting on the project recently at the South Worcester Neighborhood Center.

``There have been substantial discussions on having an adaptive reuse overlay district and what it would mean to those who live in that area,'' Ms. Haller said. ``There has been great support for this project among neighborhood residents. People want to see this move forward.

``There is strong support for housing, especially home ownership,'' she added. ``Some concerns have been raised, but support for the project is greater than the concerns. We are confident that the developer will be willing to work with the neighborhood to address the concerns that have been raised.''

The Planning Board's unanimous recommendation will go to the City Council for its consideration. The council, which has final say on all zoning issues, will also hold a public hearing on the Planning Board's recommendation.

The Abrams Group specializes in the investment and development of multifamily and commercial properties primarily in the Boston metropolitan area.

While the firm invests and develops commercial properties, its focus is on the redevelopment of functionally obsolete buildings into residential housing.