The first phase of a substantial mixed-use venture set to transform the northern end of Phipps Plaza has gone back to the drawing board—and emerged more engaging, in terms of function and aesthetics.

A Buckhead Development Review Committee recently chided initial plans for the development’s main entrance on Phipps Boulevard as being “fortress-like,” according to meeting minutes.

In light of that input, the mall’s owner, Simon Properties, and architecture firm The Beck Group have produced a vision they call more inviting to pedestrians, with public-accessible bike racks for anyone who might want to pedal along nearby PATH400.

The committee did applaud the plan for parking (1,300 spaces), which is lower than the allowable 1,628. The main entrance in question will still neighbor an exposed parking garage, per renderings.

Simon announced—to great hullabaloo—in November that the mall’s existing Belk store would be razed and replaced with a posh Nobu Hotel and restaurant, a 12-story office tower, and multilevel Life Time Fitness “living and entertainment destination.”

Per an AJC report, the Belk store will be closing this summer.

Construction is expected to launch this year, with a phased opening beginning in 2020.

Have a gander at revised plans: