The complex would be four stories tall and feature 21 four-bedroom apartments, with the first floor used for both commercial space and parking.

Chair of the Planning Commission Sheryl Soczek voted for the plan and said the location across from campus will make life easier for students.

“I personally feel that it is a good location,” she said. “It’s right across the street from the university…. The students belong across from the university.”

The commission also recommended city council approve one of two parking ordinances, ordinance No. 1289, which members said would help increased demand for parking downtown by allowing businesses to provide off-site parking.

The other ordinance, No. 1287, will be brought back to the commission at the next meeting for more discussion.

“The ordinances would loosen up off-site parking to allow for other just the downtown or vacant parking lots elsewhere,” Community Development Analyst Tim Schmitt said. So it would allow for people to look elsewhere in the community for off-site parking, if it’s available.”

Changes are coming to the former 24/7 convenience store, now under new ownership. E.J. Jonna, owner of Jonna’s 2 Go East Lansing, 210 Michigan Ave., went before the commission to request to sell liquor, along with the beer and wine he already is licensed to sell.

The store also will be adding a kitchen to cook foods such as pizza and subs and undergo some exterior cosmetic changes to the building to make it more appealing, all of which does not need the commission’s approval.

“We really want to give back to the community,” Jonna said. “We really want to be a part of this Spartan country.”