The mixed-use project will have three phases of development.

The first phase will feature a Barnes and Noble bookstore, two restaurants and other small retail shops. The bookstore should open in May. Atlantic Bread has signed a lease, and another restaurant is being sought, HSA officials say.

Phase II includes 17,000 sf of retail space on the bottom floor, a two-floor parking garage and 70 loft condominiums with floor-to-ceiling windows. The condos should be completed by summer 2003. City officials will examine the site plan at a meeting in February.

Main Place stretches for two city blocks in the popular Downtown of Royal Oak. The developers have fought for more than a year to acquire city permission for the project. As part of the designation, the developers have to incorporate the outside of the bank into the development.