Iowa City Council unanimously approved four additional stories for a new midrise apartment building at the intersection of E. Prentis and S. Gilbert streets.

Developer Capstone Collegiate Communities of Alabama proposed amidrise complex with 211 dwelling units where 625 S. Gilbert St. and 305 and 315 E. Prentis St. currently stand. The building would include 203 car parking spots, 130 bicycle parking spots, 4,871 square feetof open space and536 square feet of common courtyards.

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While the project team will not seek formal LEED Silver certification, the developers agreed to pursue sustainability improvements that would be equivalent to LEED Silver. LEED is arating systemoffered by the U.S. Green Building Council and giving some sense of a building's environmental impact. The team has agreed to focus on reducing consumption of water, all-electric appliances where possible, providing electric vehicle spaces and solar panels on the building. They will certify the building's sustainability improvements with city staff.

The project willstabilize the adjacent section of Ralston Creek and remove invasive species. It will also include a "meandering" concrete walkway through the open area on the West side of the building offering a loop around the buildingfrom South Gilbert Street to East Prentiss Street.