Plans to convert the upper floors of a Front Street building into a two-bedroom apartment have been recommended for approval.

The application proposed renovations to turn the top two floors of the Crisson Building from commercial space to residential, while leaving the ground floor as retail.

The Historic Buildings Advisory Committee raised concerns about changes to the building’s façade but a report by a planning officer said the changes would not be out of character for the area.

“While the department appreciates the recommendations of the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee, it does not agree that changing the aperture sizes of the windows/doors will have a detrimental impact on the character of the historic area in this case,” the report said.

“There are various examples of large-plate glass being using within the Front Street historic area and this proposal would not be out of character within this setting.

“Additionally, the existing decorative masonry and columns will be retained.”

The report added that because the building was in the city, the requirement for on-site parking for the unit was waived, but recommended that the proposed apartment should be classified as a “cycle-only” unit.

According to planning documents, the building was first erected in the 1890s but its distinct Art Deco-style balconies were created in the 1930s to replace the original verandas.

The applicant said in documents that the building’s balconies and column supports would be retained in the work.

“The building does contribute to the iconic character of the street scene along Front Street and a primary aim of the project is to retain and enhance this character,” the applicant said.

“Having said that, it should be noted that the building has not been listed as having special historical or architectural interest.

“Changes to the appearance of the building should be permitted to facilitate the adaptive reuse of the structure, especially where, as in this case, the principal architectural elements are being preserved.”