Main Street site design in front of Sylvania Historical Village OK'd

The architectural review board approved the design of this two-story brick building, seen here in the architect's rendering.

The design of a two-story red brick building planned to replace the former Sterling Store in front of the Sylvania Historical Village has been approved by the city's architectural review board.

According to the design submitted to the board, the first floor of the new building will be reserved for retail space with the second floor occupied by business offices.

The building, in the 5700 block of Main Street, itself will be situated with the more narrow side facing Main, so the historical village will be less hidden from the view of passers-by.

The south side will have a plaza area with an arch drawing attention to the village.

Mayor Craig Stough, an architect who sits on the review board, called it an "elegant" use of the space.

Parking will be available on three sides of the structure, and there will be circular access available for buses bringing students for visits to the historical village.

The review board was told that the side of the building facing Main Street will have a covered porch to keep in the character of most of the other older buildings on the block as well as the village structures.

The design also calls for doorways on all four sides of the building with the intention of promoting pedestrian traffic.

The plaza on the south side of the building may in part be incorporated for dining if a restaurant is located on the first floor of the building. That area will also have a raised flower bed, benches, and trees for shade.

The building, designed by Sylvania architect Kevin Carroll, will replace a one-story commercial building that has housed convenience stores and, for a time, the offices of the Sylvania Herald.