A city block could get a face lift if a building proposal comes to fruition.

Mercer Island is currently in a public comment period on a building proposal from Johnston Architects.

The proposal is for a multi-use, four story complex that would include housing, retail space and affordable housing units.

The proposed Xing Hua building would occupy nearly an entire city block and is located between the QFC and Future Metropolitan Market on 77th Avenue and 29th Street Southeast.

Evan Maxim, the community planning and development director for Mercer Island said the project is “effectively the first large proposal to be submitted since the city updated the Town Center development regulations in 2016.”

Project planning indicates the space would aim to “further increase the future tenants’ desire of green space and human interactions,” via a private courtyard. Planning documents also propose the removal of 23 trees and the addition of 32 trees per city requirements on replacement of removed trees.

The proposal calls for nearly 11,000 square feet of retail space, 164 apartment units and 17 affordable housing units.

“As required by the new regulations, the proposal includes several public amenities designed to advance community objectives, including a pedestrian through-block connection, public plazas, retail parking, affordable housing, a possible location for public art, and green building certification,” Maxim said.

The city will hold a public hearing at a date yet to be set, but is currently accepting comment until Feb. 26, 2020. More info can be found online at https://letstalk.mercergov.org/xing-hua.