Wollongong antique dealer and part-time property developer Barry Becarevic had two goals when he put forward ideas for his latest building proposal - to make it interesting and enviable.
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"My aim is to give Wollongong something it hasn't had before," the former IT specialist said.
"We have plenty of big boxed units in the city, but few grand-style apartments.
"Basically, I want to create something that I would really like to live in myself."
Mr Becarevic, through JBA Planning Consultants, has lodged an application with Wollongong City Council seeking approval to construct a three-storey development at 101 Corrimal Street.
Under the plans, an ageing, single-storey house will be demolished and four trees on the site removed to make way for the development, which will feature six three-bedroom units and parking for 12 cars.
Mr Becarevic told the Mercury he had bought the 1449-square-metre property 18 months ago with a view to redeveloping it, but had steered clear of building another high-rise unit block.
"I want to give Wollongong something different to what we currently have in the city," he said.
"I know I would have made more money if I'd chosen to go down the line of putting up 20 two-bedroom units, but I want to give the city something that is aesthetically pleasing.
"I think [Surry Hills-based] PBD Architects has done a great job coming up with this design - it's unique, upmarket and stylish."
PBD Architects managing director Paul Buljevic described the proposed project as a "boutique townhouse" development.
Mr Becarevic estimated each of the units would go on the market for more than $700,000.
He said if the council gave the proposal the go-ahead by Christmas, he planned to begin demolition at the site by February, with a view to completing construction by the end of next year.
The plans for the proposal are on public exhibition until December 12 and can be viewed at www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au or at the Wollongong council chambers.