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

The Iowa City City Council will vote on the second consideration of an ordinance that would allow MidwestOne Bank to revise its building height and floor area, as well as the bank’s request for lower parking requirements for a new six-story office tower.

The development will encompass a mortgage center, high-end office space, townhouses, and a multi-story 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 the spring of 2014 to the fall of 2013.The councilors will vote on the ordinance at their meeting on Oct. 1.

— by Rebecca Morin