The development, named "The Butler," would be located on a one-acre plot at the site of Butler's Garage behind Cat's Cradle and next to the Libba Cotten bikeway at 120 Brewer Lane. The Raleigh-based Downtown Urban Ventures made the proposal.

Plans call for 165,000 square feet. There would be 22,170 square feet of commercial space, two levels of underground parking and 57 condominiums, including nine affordable units.

Architectural drawings show commercial space and a tree-lined courtyard on the first floor and condos on the upper floors. The building's brick facade and large windows resemble nearby Carr Mill Mall.

The site currently lacks street access, but the developers have an agreement with the owners of 110 Brewer Lane to create an entrance road through a nearby parking lot, which houses a Tae Kwon Do studio and a condominium complex.

At last week's Board of Aldermen meeting, Richard Gaylord, owner of Downtown Urban Ventures, described green options that will be available to the building's occupants, such as bike racks, energy-efficient windows, dual-flush toilets and low-toxin paints. Dual flush toilets have two buttons, using more or less water depending on what is being flushed.

But Alderman Jacquie Gist urged the developers to consider additional eco-friendly features, such as solar hot water heaters.

"I'd like to see you stretch a little more," she said.

According to documents filed with the town, Downtown Urban Ventures has agreed to clean up soil at the site contaminated by years of storing and repairing vehicles there. Under the decade-old N.C. Brownfields Program, prospective developers may negotiate a clean-up plan with state environmental regulators. Such plans require less clean-up than mandated by traditional standards and provide tax incentives to developers.

One citizen had signed up to speak at the public hearing on the development, but by the time his name was called, close to 11 p.m., he had gone home.

The aldermen will continue their consideration of the development August 26.