While the town of Chapel Hill is still plodding along with its ambitious redevelopment plans for downtown's Parking Lot 5, UNC is methodically plotting a course for how to reconfigure the adjacent 12-acre University Square plot.

The twin projects have the potential to radically alter the landscape of the Franklin/Rosemary streets landscape with a mix of housing and retail offerings presented in more modern and inviting formats.

Parking Lot 5, bordered by West Franklin, Church and Rosemary streets, for years has been the subject of considerable town staff time, meetings and ongoing discussions at official gatherings. It's unclear when something tangible will emerge from what is now 165 surface parking spaces. The plan is to transform the area into three buildings, eight stories high at the tallest point; 345 parking spaces, most of which would be underground; 137 condominiums; 28,540 square feet of retail space; and public parking. But what has come to be known as the $75 million 140 West project also was supposed to be completed by 2008, according to earlier projections.

Meanwhile, UNC held the first of three meetings on Thursday to gather public input on the University Square redesign. A second will be held in 10 to 14 weeks, and the final public speak-out will be held in the spring.

Student housing, market rate housing, local shops, national chain stores and possibly even a small grocery store might be included in the project. John Goff, senior vice president of development for Cousins Development Group, which is spearheading the project, said one of the goals is to get the retail establishments better connected to Franklin Street. That's a necessary move to make the project fruitful.

Both projects will enhance a drive to greater density downtown. The infill could help to solve some of the traffic congestion, and worries of shopowners about being able to be successful downtown. It will be interesting to watch as these important projects progress.