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The building may have changed slightly, but the sentiment was the same.

Almost two months after approving the demolition of the former Wendy's building and the construction of a new structure, Oxford's Historic and Architectural Preservation Commission unanimously approved it yet again at a July 2 meeting.

Main & High Development presented a proposal largely similar to the original, this time around featuring four stories instead of three and opting to not encroach into the 16.5-foot vacated right-of-way along Main Street. The city's Board of Zoning Appeals rejected the previous plan in late May, with the proposed encroachment into that right-of-way serving as the main reason for denial.

Company President Bernard Rumpke said he expects to raze the presently vacant building in August, beginning construction soon thereafter.

"We'd like to have it down when the students come back, because we'll be renting it for the next year," Rumpke said. "By the same token, we have to have the plans ready and the construction ready to begin within 30 days or we'll have to pay to seed the lot."

As for the commercial space at one of the busiest intersections in town, Rumpke said he had just gotten a final letter of intent from a client interested in the building's 2,500 square foot corner lot. He shied away from revealing the client's identity, but coyly noted the tenant would require a certain amount of space for an outdoor seating area with tables and chairs.

The residential space will house 11 apartments, including two loft-style dwellings in the center of the structure. Rumpke said the four fourth-floor units will all utilize skylights to add natural light to the living space.

Seemingly making lemonades from lemons, Rumpke said the BZA ruling, in effect, gave the developers a 16.5-foot courtyard they hadn't previously planned.

"We thought we'd use it as an outdoor seating area, with space for students to use for outdoor entertainment," he said.

Mayor Prue Dana said she was glad the applicants returned with a modified plan, though she preferred the initial three-story proposal.

"Looking closely at the new buildings Miami University is building, this (design) reflects that," Dana said. "That added outdoor area is important in this town, and whomever is in there can make use of it."

Applicant Robert Treadon said the building will be "state of the art in every respect," with an elevator and advanced security systems.

"We've been working very hard to get this proposal done in four weeks rather than the typical 10-12," Treadon said. "Now that this is done, our real work can begin."

Contact this reporter at (513) 523-4139, ext. 86102, or at rgauthier@coxohio.com.