La Concha Spa owner Gloria Maciel applied for a conditional use permit in December 2004, to construct a three-story, 11,963 square-foot building to expand and relocate her existing business, at 1042 Lincoln Ave. to an empty lot at 1030 Lincoln Ave. near Coe Avenue. The spa's current location is 1,621 square feet.

After continual input from the community, the spa's architect made changes to the design, scaling it down to a 9,509-square-foot three-story Spanish revival-style building that was presented to the San Jose Planning Commission on March 9. The commissioners recommended its approval.

After the project was approved, the developer revised the scaled back project even further, taking into account residents' continuing concerns over size.

The most recent redesign was presented to the community on the Nov. 7, reducing the square footage by almost 2,000 feet. The proposed 7,775-square-foot spa will reach 42 feet and include a 548 square-foot circular terrace-lounge area on the second story. There will be a combined 38 parking spaces from underground and off-street parking.

The new day spa would encompass approximately a quarter acre of vacant land. The building's second story will be set back 5 feet to create interest from the sidewalk and allow natural light in. It will have terraces along both sides of the building as well as in the front.

The building will have decorative wrought iron gates in front and back that will be locked after hours. Surveillance cameras will be installed in the underground parking.

The smaller design, however, did not satisfy some residents.

One resident living directly behind the proposed project on Ramona Avenue said she would be affected by the height of the building because it would overlook her backyard.

To resolve the problem, Igino Pellizzaari, the project executive for Abitare Architecture, suggested cajeput trees, which are evergreens, for screening. .

"The trees come in a box with a 24-inch diameter so they will be approximately 15 feet when they are first planted," Pellizzaari said. "We were looking for something that would be 25- to 28-feet tall when mature."

Seven trees will be planted at the rear of the project in addition to four new street trees. Both the city and developer favor these evergreens because they are low maintenance.

Disproportionate height was another issue discussed. The spa, once completed, would be much taller than the other buildings on the Lincoln Avenue.

"I am appreciative of Gloria bringing more business to downtown Willow Glen, but the building does not keep with the neighborhood's look. It is a monster," said Lou Ann Bauer, who owns the buildings adjacent to the project.

"The architects need to consider the flavor of the small neighborhood," Bauer said. "Because once the neighborhood's small-town feel is gone, it could never be brought back."

The architects have done a fine job on the design aspect of the project but were "insensitive" to the neighborhood, she said.

"It's all about scale," she said. "It's what makes Willow Glen so great. We know that Willow Glen will change in the future, but it's how Willow Glen wants to change that's important."

Not everyone shared Bauer's concern.

Ellen Santomauro, Willow Glen Neighborhood Association vice president, was excited about the project.

"I think that the architects were sensitive to the neighbors and were open to their feedback," she said. "There's sensibility behind the project's size. It was a good collaboration between the owner and community's needs."

The new location would provide several personal care services, including a hair and nail salon, facials, body wraps, whirlpool mineral baths, massage and a steam room.

The project is expected to go before the city council in the first quarter of 2006.