The plans for a 40-unit, four story condominium complex on Detroit Avenue were approved by the city’s Architectural Board of Review on Thursday.

The developer Rockport Square presented the plans, which call for loft-style condos on the large tract of land on the south side of Detroit, between Hopkins and Winchester avenues.

The four-floor structure will include 40 energy-efficient units, ranging from 1,350 to 1,900 square feet, with parking included on the property.

A timetable for construction hasn’t been set for the project — the second of three development projects in the neighborhood.

The cost of the units is lower than their Rockport townhome neighbors, starting at around $180,000.

Board member Michael Fleenor said he is “excited about this project,” noting the colors used with its urban design make it an “attractive” project.

“I have been pleased with the direction you’ve gone in,” he told representatives from Rockport Square. “It’s articulated much better than what we saw before.”

The board had been working with the company’s architects for several months crafting the plans. 

Originally, plans called for retail store on the first floor. Market demands and a troubled economy prompted Rockport to shift directions toward a scaled down version, said Bill Sanderson, project manager at Rockport Square and vice president of joint ventures Forest City Land Group.

The structure is “a little smaller and parking isn’t as private,” he said.

“But it’s a little more affordable,” Sanderson said. “We kept the character of the other units. I think it’s a very attractive building. We’re hopeful that when we do get going, that we’ll have success.”

However, financing has not been completely secured yet.

“It really involves a lender that’s willing to both participate in the pre-construction and have a mortgage program (in place),” Sanderson said. “That puts in a place to do the presales. Assuming that we make the presales, we go as fast as we can.”

It’s been only a few years since the first portion of Rockport Square development finished on Detroit Avenue.

One resident who lives near the proposed development expressed concern about the vacancy on the north side of Detroit Avenue — the proposed site of the third phase.

Sanderson said it could be three years before plans on the third phase take shape.