The City of St. John's is asking a residential developer to rethink a downtown condo proposal, as the current design looks a bit too "modern."

A submission by developer Commander Ventures for a 12-unit condo near Duckworth Street will head back to the city's heritage panel for discussion and direction before coming to a vote.

With its grey-and-white accents, protruding windows and "busy facade," city staff say the proposal at 21 Holloway Street doesn't fit in with the rest of the neighbourhood, in a briefing provided to councillors at Monday's city council meeting.

The design for the proposed condo building on 21 Holloway St. was created by Woodford/Sheppard Architecture. (Courtesy City of St. John's)

"Basically, [it is] just an ordinary modern-style condominium building that you'd find anywhere, I guess, in mainland Canada," said Coun. Art Puddister.

"We're hoping that they can probably design something that would be a little bit more architecturally pleasing to the eye."

The proposed development would contain 12 units across six floors. (City of St. John's)

Puddister emphasized that city staff, not councillors, were pushing for the change. He said the request was simply an idea, and said he will support the new proposal, even if no changes are made to the design.

The building lot is currently empty.