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A five-story parking structure with room for retail could be under construction as soon as this spring following approval from the City Plan Commission on Thursday.

The roughly $8 million, 331-spot ramp will be located just east of the Kenosha Post Office on Eighth Avenue between 56th and 57th Streets.

Director of Public Works Shelly Billingsley presented conceptual drawings of the structure before a brief presentation from members of the project’s construction and design team.

The commission was overwhelmingly supportive and ready to move forward.

“We’re excited about the project,” Mayor John Antaramian said. “It’s something that’s definitely needed. We’ve been planning this for awhile. You have the Stella (hotel) and other developments going on and all of the activities by the harbor. There will be parking and easy access for the streetcar to the lakefront.”

Key to future growth

While the parking structure was proposed before the arrival of the Downtown Vision Project, it is expected to play an integral part in accommodating future growth.

A new public park, performing arts center and several high-rise condominiums are proposed in the Downtown Vision Project.