BATON ROUGE – Typically opposed to new development, the tides are changing in historic Spanish Town.

Wednesday morning, the Historic Preservation Committee approved a 24-building condo development in the shadow of the State Capitol.

"They did the things that we would want when someone builds in an historic area. To take advantage and to use the guidelines that we have set place to match the integrity of that community and not something that's for lack of a better word an eyesore," said committee member Byron Washington.

Developer Steven Duplechain says there isn't a price tag on the development yet, but it won't be cheap. He envisions at least some of the properties to be just under 'luxury' classification.The project will also include public spaces, a community center, and gazebos.

Residents of the eclectic community have been known to like things the way they are, but this new project seems to have much more support than past-failed ones.

"Overall I think development is a good thing for Spanish Town, especially an empty lot. Coming up with a good quality development in Spanish Town is a positive thing that I don't think anybody is really against. Downtown needs residents," said former resident Travis Moore.

Of course, there are still concerns.

"The parking impacts are going to be significant to the existing neighborhood. The demand on the infrastructure, and we have some questions in regards to the water quality of the lake that the property is going to be consuming."

In terms of how parking will be affected during construction, there are no answers yet, but when all is said and done, Duplechain says a majority of the condos will have dedicated parking with an extra 75 spots.

The planning commission says the plans will be further reviewed during the permit process.