Things are looking up.

The four-story housing project near downtown Santa Barbara that in the summer was called “generic” and a “monstrosity” is now “generally going in the right direction.”

“It is well done,” said Historic Landmarks Commissioner Ed Lenvik. “It will ultimately be something that is a nice residential addition to that major corridor into the city of Santa Barbara.”

In September, the development team of CAM Land Use & Development showed the proposal to the HLC and was met with firm pushback over the size of the project proposed for 932 De la Vina St. The building would be constructed at the site of the Jiffy Lube, at the corner of De la Vina and Carrillo streets.

The developer, Double P. LLC, has proposed that the four-story building would house 22 units — which is down from the original 36 units proposed at the first meeting.

Craig Minus, owner of CAM Land Use & Development, returned to the Historic Landmarks Commission with a revised proposal at last week’s meeting. This time he brought local architect Henry Lenny to work on the design along with the original architectural firm, Arroyo Grande-based MW architects.

“We made some significant changes,” Lenny said.

Among the changes, the building has been recessed back, with the most prominent elevations being on the Carrillo Street side, and the project is now designed in Spanish Colonial style.

“After discussing it a bit, we are really in the El Pueblo Viejo District,” Lenny said. “We are within walking distance to State Street and this may actually encourage, as the projects continue to develop, to have a nice walkway, promenade.”

Still, there was opposition to the design. Members of the commission wanted the fourth story pushed back away from the street and neighbors said they believe their properties will be negatively impacted.

Nearby property owner Brian Smith praised Lenny’s redesign, but said the changes weren’t enough.

“It’s just too big,” Smith said, adding that the building would “tower over my property.”

He said the property should be set back from the street.

Across the street from the proposed development is the one-story Riviera Hotel, which is a single-room occupancy hotel for low-income individuals.

Cynthia Young, executive director for Santa Barbara Community Housing, which owns the Riviera Hotel, said she had concerns about traffic circulation, and that she wanted to be included in future mailings regarding the project.

Commissioner Steve Hausz acknowledged the neighbors’ concerns.

“Unfortunately, the new reality, these property line to property line buildings are going to be more the norm,” Hausz said. “Anything you can do about that is appreciated.”

The development team took the project to the city for a pre-application review so the developer will take the advice and return with a formal project proposal. The board suggested a smaller courtyard and bringing 3D drawings next time it comes forward.

Commissioner Keith Butler, who referred to the original project as a “monstrosity,” backpedaled a bit.

“I still think it’s too big,” Butler said. “I think the fourth story . . . move it, or get rid of it.”

Commissioner Cass Ensberg praised the project’s architectural changes.

“I think you have just done a beautiful job and really is a great move forward,” Ensberg said at last week’s meeting.