The city of Des Moines Urban Design Review Board approved plans for a Hy-Vee Inc. grocery store and 82-unit apartment complex today, but the 4-3 vote came at the end of a 90-minute meeting where the discussion reflected dissatisfaction with several design elements, especially as they relate to the “urban edge,” where the project meets the streets and pedestrians. 

Of chief concern was location of a loading dock along Fifth Avenue and south of Court Avenue, with one board member saying she “hated” the location; others disliked a harsh interface with pedestrians. 

Hy-Vee’s Pete Hosch said the company would work with city staff members to address some of the concerns. 

The loading dock, on the other hand, will stay, he said: “We apologize if we have not met your expectations.” 

The dock is an integral part of the project, he said. A Starbucks coffeehouse is planned for the northwest corner of the project, which will be built on what is now a city-owned parking lot at 420 Court Ave. 

The city will grant the lot to developers Hy-Vee and Knapp Properties Inc. as an in-kind contribution of $3 million toward the $30 million project. 

A site plan still must be approved by the city’s Plan and Zoning Commission, which is expected to question signage for the property and how it fits in with other architectural elements of the Court Avenue district.

The project is expected to be completed in late 2016.