And because the property is on the national registry and designated as historic under city ordinance, there is a review to determine whether or not the building’s historical integrity is preserved, Community Development Director Paul Vogel said.

The City Council can use that review as grounds to deny the permit.

Clow said he’s been working with the State Historic Preservation Office, seeking a letter of recommendation from that body to bolster his case for a permit.

The crux of his argument for converting it to a residence is that he would be using the mansion for its intended use.

“I wholeheartedly want it to revert to its original use,” which Clow said was a residence for the Cray family and later as communal housing for women.

An assumed barrier to converting the mansion to housing has been a requirement to add parking, but Clow said he already owns a 23-stall lot across Second Street.

Preservation advocates are planning to make an appearance at Monday’s 7 p.m. City Council meeting at the Intergovernmental Center.

The city had an option to own the mansion for free, but passed it up because the YWCA required that it be allowed to stay there, rent-free, until 2016.