Historical commission members, he said, were largely supportive of the recently unveiled designs.

“Commissioners requested additional drawings to answer questions about these issues, but they were supportive of the general concept of the project because it preserves and restores the historic buildings, and puts them into new uses,” he said.

However, with no indications of ground-floor retail, he worries whether the preserved historic buildings will continue to be accessible to the public, or just to the residents of the apartment complex.

Omar Mireles, the president of HSL Properties, said the designs were simply conceptual, and his company has plans for ground-floor retailers that allow for public access to the historic structures.

While still in the nascent stages, he said the company was considering opening a restaurant and a coffee shop inside the project.

Mireles said he hoped to break ground next year on the project, but acknowledged the company has a long road ahead regarding the development process.

Mayor Jonathan Rothschild hadn’t seen the plans but said he was glad the redevelopment of the property is moving forward.