The on-again, off-again saga of San Antonio’s iconic Villita Assembly Hall is showing signs of hope regarding its reopening as a performance venue. O’Neil Ford designed the Villita Assembly Hall, which was built in 1958. The San Antonio Business Journal reports that the current owners, MLSA Ventures, want to keep it much the same while making a few subtle changes.

The project team proposes lowering the northeast plaza to river level, which is currently about 12 feet above the river. A new stairway to the river between the Assembly Building and the Arneson River Theater is also in the plans. Outdoor dining and other gathering spaces are proposed for the southwest side.

Exterior modifications are planned for the building itself. To increase the amount of natural lighting, more windows would be installed.

The design plans are headed to the Historic and Design Review Committee for conceptual approval later this month.