A rezone of a Missouri City shopping center staple that would allow for more extensive renovations has inched closer toward final approval.

Township Square Shopping Plaza, located at the intersection of Hwy. 6 and FM 1092, will undergo a series of renovations during an upcoming redesign, according to a previous announcement by KM Realty Investment Trust Inc., the real estate firm spearheading the project.

City Council members with Missouri City, through a unanimous vote during its Dec. 6 meeting, have approved the first of two readings that would rezone the property to a Planned Development District, which would allow for flexibility and innovation in design, and would allow for the redevelopment of an existing commercial retail center, according to an agenda report.

The plans for the revitalization effort is to balance the original charm of the shopping center with modern facade and landscaping updates, according to KM Realty’s announcement. Improvements include softening the existing red brick, adding canvas awnings and metal canopies, installing new storefront glass, adding a mural to the clock tower, expanding outdoor dining areas, upgrading landscaping, and developing sign criteria.

The item will come back before the City Council for a second and final reading before the rezoning becomes official.