Planning Commission members in Visalia will get their first look at plans by local developer Sam Sciacca to resurrect the upstairs floor of his downtown commercial building as an upscale apartment -- the first such residential remodel that city officials can remember (see below).

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The building, on East Main Street between Church and Court streets, is part of the former Togni-Branch Stationers store. Sciacca has leased the downstairs commercial space to a clothing boutique, Urban Chic. Under the city's zoning laws, Sciacca needs Planning Commission approval to convert the upstairs into a small, but fashionably appointed, living area.

The commissioners will hear Sciacca's plans at their 7 p.m. meeting Monday at Visalia City Hall. Sciacca hopes if it's approved, it may spark interest by other downtown owners to convert their little-used upstairs spaces into more apartments to create a unique style of residential district.

Does this notion of urban living tempt you? Is the convenience of being downtown enough to make you consider such an apartment? Let us know.