The widening of the sidewalk space was the only additional revision made at the Southwest Design Review meeting for the apartments to be built at 4532 42nd Ave. S.W.

The complex, located near the Alaska Junction, will measure six stories high and have 35 apartments and two levels of underground parking containing 55 parking stalls.

The public meeting took place Thursday, July 22 at the West Seattle Senior Center.

This was determined after the board listened to architect Neal Thompson’s presentation, which was followed by clarifying questions from the board, public comments and concerns.

Then the board determined that the two biggest concerns were: the width of the sidewalks and the stairs in the commercial entrance way.

Some community members noted that increased pedestrian traffic around the Junction is causing people to weave in and out of each other. Therefore the building will likely be set at eight feet back, to allow extra room for pedestrians and sidewalk landscaping.

The second concern was about the three steps down to the commercial space pedestrians will take after coming through the entrance. Although there were a number of community members who disliked this design, the board determined that there wasn’t a better alternative when working with an uneven street.

The board also agreed there needed to be some minor improvements to some of the brick work detailing and the addition of an irrigation system for the landscaping.

Some of the changes the architect has already made to the plan, which the board approved, include:

• Breaking the awning into three parts to de-emphasize them and make them less heavy in appearance.

• Emphasis of the building’s columns by centering of the column windows.

• Unity of the balconies spacing and size.

• Modification of sidewalk landscaping similar to that which currently exists around the building.

• A distinct, separate entry for residential space.

Some lingering concerns for the public included:

• Whether the awnings were still too heavy and would they allow sufficient light into the commercial space.

• The size of the building and questions of whether this was the best location for it.

This was the final design review meeting. After the architect makes the board's recommended changes to the design, they will begin gathering permits to start construction.