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No one had anything but nice things to say when developers of a new Fred Meyer store came before the Portland Design Commission today.

In fact, Commissioner Ben Kaiser said all proposals that come before the commission should go as smoothly. “This should be a model for presentations and integrating the commission’s suggestions.”

Developers first came before the commission Sept. 20. Following the hearing, they made several modifications to the proposed 2.3-acre store on N.W. 20th Place.

Terry Krause, representing Group Mackenzie, the architects on the project, said the design of the store was modified to add a metal fire door in the parking garage, add more clear glass to the store and make the entry at the northeast corner more accessible to neighbors bicycling or walking to the store.

They also doubled the number of bike racks for a total 24 short-term bike stalls. “We tried to make this more pedestrian-friendly and make it more accessible for people and bikes,” Krauss said.

Walt McMonies, a lawyer with Lane Powell PC, spoke at the September hearing and returned to praise developers’ efforts. “This is definitely a win-win situation,” he said. “They responded to our concerns and made a better product. We are very happy.”

The commission voted unanimously to approve the project. Commissioners Jane Hansen and David Wark were absent.

Krauss said he is glad the process went smoothly. “We are on some tight deadlines with Fred Meyer,” he said.