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With Portland Design Commission approval in hand, the developer of a 206-unit multifamily project bordering North Williams Avenue and Cook Street is setting its sights on construction.

After a long appeal process, commissioners on Thursday OK’d the design of a six-story apartment building that Seattle-based Sierra Construction Co. plans to build on the vacant lot south of the New Seasons Market on North Williams Avenue. Commission staffers previously criticized the planned fenestration, exterior material makeup and modern facade of the Cook Street Apartments, saying the design failed to enhance the identity of the surrounding historic area.

LRS Architects, the project’s designer, appealed that decision to design commissioners. Over the course of three long meetings, LRS made significant changes to the exterior. Commissioners approved that design with several amendments – eight months after Sierra Construction’s first application for design review. LRS still must apply for a type II design review of the interior parking space and pedestrian walkways; however, with this initial hurdle cleared, Sierra Construction can pursue a building permit.

“We look forward to pressing on, and getting financing in place, and getting the building permit and starting next spring,” Sierra Construction CEO Roger Collins said.