To continue with the desired aesthetic look of Iowa City’s current Riverfront Crossing plan, a local bank has requested an alternative plan for a future development project it is spearheading.

The Iowa City City Council approved the first consideration with a 7-0 vote to allow MidwestOne Bank to revise its building height and floor area, as well as requesting lower parking requirements for a new six-story office tower.

The development will encompass a mortgage center, high-end office space, townhouses, and a multistory parking ramp, adjacent to the Iowa City Post Office branch and the former Sabin Elementary, 509 S. Dubuque St.

Under the new plan, officials hope that construction on the new building will now be moved up from spring 2014 to fall 2013.

— by Rebecca Morin