In a recent government meeting, plans for a significant construction project in the downtown area were discussed, focusing on the expansion of existing buildings. The proposal includes adding an additional floor atop the current structures, enhancing the east side with balconies, and constructing a parking garage in the basement, which will be accessed via a rotating automobile elevator from a new driveway on North Fourth Avenue.

The project aims to increase the total floor area by approximately 10,000 square feet, bringing the overall size of the existing buildings, which currently exceed 30,000 square feet, to a more substantial footprint. The design features modern glass and aluminum curtain walls intended to reduce the visual mass of the buildings while contrasting with the existing industrial aesthetic of the area.

Located at the southern end of the North 4th Catherine Detroit block, the site falls within the D2 zoning designation, which is characterized as a downtown interface and Cary Town character overlay district. The construction will primarily involve modifications to the roof of the two connected buildings, with the ground floor and two to four upper floors remaining largely intact.

During the meeting, representatives from the applicant team presented their design concepts, highlighting the historical significance of the existing structures, including the agricultural hall built in 1856. They noted that previous renovations have reinforced the building's structural integrity, allowing for the proposed additional floor without extensive foundational work.

The project aims to enhance the pedestrian experience in the area, particularly around the farmers market, by activating previously vacant courtyards and improving access. The meeting concluded with the applicant team prepared to share detailed graphics and plans for further discussion.