Slated for one-half block on the west side of Eighth Ave South, between South Lane and South Dearborn streets, the project is to include 57 apartments above 7,360 sf of retail, a 4,350-sf public library, a 15,900-sf community center and below-ground parking for 73 vehicles. The City this week determined an environmental impact statement will not be required for the project.

The property is in the International District Mixed (IDM) zone and has an 85-foot limit because at least 50% of the gross floor area will comprise residential units. It sits across the street from International District Village Square I, a $19-million project that opened in 1998 and includes retail space, 75 studio apartments and four health and human service agencies. The project designer is Ken Kubota of Kubota/Kato/Chinn Architects.

Other recent signs of improvement in the area include a $12 million to $15 million redevelopment and expansion of the Uwajimaya store on Sixth Avenue South and Union Station's redevelopment into office space.