Owner Gin Lee received the green light to proceed with his plans to add another unit to his existing building when planning commissioners approved a revised design proposal at their meeting on Feb. 26.

The plan, which was redrafted by architects Warren Heid and Bruce Johnson, includes adding 879 square feet of commercial tenant space to the existing 3,380-square-foot building located on the corner of Big Basin Way and Third Street. It also entails building a 1,377-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment on the upper level and eliminating 208 square feet from the lower level to accommodate a 620-square-foot three-car garage.

The new building will be set back 7¹/2 feet from the facade of the existing cleaners to allow space for easily maintained flora, such as star jasmine, nadina and lavender bell flowers.

In accordance with the city's Village Design Guidelines, which were created by members of the city council and planning commission, Heid and his team will be adding seven navy blue awnings on the front and sides of the building to give it a look more uniform with the rest of the area. In addition, the original limestone from the side of the existing building will be exposed.

Commissioners at the meeting said they were pleased to see that the new plan conformed to the guidelines.

"I have no significant reservations," said Roupe. "The new look would be a great addition to the downtown area."

At the meeting, Commissioner Jill Hunter applauded the work that Heid, who will be retiring after 45 years, has contributed to the village area.

Lee, who said he had plans for expansion when he bought the building in 1994, said he wanted to utilize the empty space between his store and the adjacent store.

Lee said he doesn't plan to make his business bigger but hopes to lease out the new building to someone who may want to open their own store. He also said he hopes residents will take advantage of the convenience of living near restaurants and businesses like his.

Though all expressed excitement about the new plan, the issue of maintaining the awnings was the topic of concern.

"Most of the awnings around here are not well-maintained," said Lee.

But Heid assured the commissioners that the color of the awnings is guaranteed to last up to 10 years and that "it will maintain harmony and continuity with nearby businesses." According to Heid, the awning will be made of canvas, which is durable and made for wear and tear.

Heid added that the new look will add to the eclectic combination of styles in the village.

Hunter, George Roupe, Lisa Kurasch, Mike Garakani and Rutchi Zutshi all voted in favor of the revised design proposal. Erna Jackman did not vote on the issue because she lives within 500 feet of the building. Cynthia Barry was absent.