There was mixed reaction to two design possibilities for a redevelopment along Robie Street in Halifax near Quinpool Road at 2032 Robie St., where Cruikshank's Halifax Funeral Home used to be located.

Westwood Developments, which owns the property, hosted a public meeting Tuesday night to get feedback early in the process.

The firm representing the developer said each proposal has different benefits.

"The goal is to get this right," said Jeffry Haggett, a senior planner with WSP Group, an engineering and consulting firm.

"Westwood actually likes both designs."

Six-storey option

View of the six-storey proposal from the front. (WSP)

Back of the six-storey proposal. (WSP)

The first one is a six-storey commercial building that uses about 70 per cent of the lot.

Some of the people who attended the presentation preferred the lower, wider design.

"If the community cares about diversity and uniqueness in the city then that's the one you want to go with," said Brendan Dixon, one of the people who was at the meeting.

22-storey proposal

A view of the 22-storey building proposal. (WSP)

Rendering of the 22-storey building proposal. (WSP)

The second possibility is a 22-storey residential building that uses about 23 per cent of the site.

The taller option did have some support.

"I'd like it at 22 (storeys) because it would look better. There's a building in Manchester, England, that's similar," said Mark Heavey.

But Trevor Brumwell, who lives in the residential area behind the redevelopment site, did not like either option.

"Neither one seems to be appropriate," said Brumwell. "I would say build something that is in character with the existing neighbourhood."

The current planning rules would not allow either design. In 2014 regional council agreed that a development agreement process for the property could go ahead.

Under proposed new rules in the Centre Plan, buildings between four and six storeys would be allowed along that section of Robie Street.

The presentation and a survey will be available at WSPengage.com