About 20 people gathered Tuesday evening to listen to development plans for the 240 W. Gilman St. site that formerly housed Avol’s Bookstore.

Plans for the site have been a controversial topic since it was purchased in 2003 by developer Joe McCormick, who intends to convert the historic structure into a 45-unit apartment complex.

“Before I bought [it], I thought it was a great location [that was] highly underutilized,” McCormick said.

He explained that once he purchased the lot, he was confronted with three options: demolish the existing building and erect an entirely new one; leave the original building intact and build on the nearby parking lot; or incorporate the front 40 feet of the existing building into a new construction plan.

McCormick’s plans for the site are based on the third option. His proposal includes a mixed-use development that features office, retail and residential space.

“This benefits State Street merchants,” McCormick said. “Businesses [are] in trouble. It wouldn’t hurt to have more housing.”

Jim Sendecki, who owned the property from 1986 to 2003, supported McCormick’s development plans.

“Personally, [I think] the best use for this site is [a] residential occupation,” Sendecki said.

He pointed out that because the building was formerly used for office space, it was only occupied from approximately 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. During the periods in which it was unoccupied, Sendecki reported that he witnessed an abundance of drug use, violence and vandalism in the area. He believes that a residential structure would cut down on these offenses.

“Having people in the building 24-7 will mitigate problems,” Sendecki said.

Opponents of the plan, however, insist that it violates the architectural and historical integrity of the building.

“The architecture [of the building] is significant,” said Joe Lussom, president of the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation.

Built in a unique Spanish Colonial style in 1906 by Chicago architect J.K. Cadey, the building served as the meeting place of the Women’s Club for more than seven decades. The building has been vacant since its purchase in 2003.

Lussom suggested that McCormick build over the existing structure, rather than destroying part of it.

Several people echoed Lussom’s sentiments regarding the building’s importance.

“At the last meeting (in February) the overwhelming sentiment was that the Women’s Building was important historically,” said a Madison resident who opposed McCormick’s proposal.

Others in attendance offered suggestions and possible modifications to McCormick’s plan.

“Consider building an adult apartment building,” local Sheridan Glenn said. “I know it seems like a kid environment, but everyone would benefit from a wider [age range].”

Like Lussom, Glenn also recommended that McCormick build “over the Women’s Building, instead of through it.”

Several people recommended that a plaque or other form of commemorative object be included in the development plans. McCormick responded to the suggestions by saying he intends to have a “museum-quality façade honoring the Women’s Club” in the lobby of the building.