But Banker said, "The reason why this project moved was because I tried to give the community what it wanted."

He said that without the approval of certain key community groups he would never have been able to develop his plans.

Historic Run-In

Charles M. Sullivan, executive director of the Cambridge Historical Commission, said the original plans had to be modified because Banker had wanted to tear down two historic buildings he owns at 8 Eliot and 106 Winthrop Sts.

But the commission made approval of Banker's 16-18 Eliot St. site contingent on his not demolishing or altering the exterior of the other sites.

Sullivan said Banker also agreed to pay for the renovation of an 18th-century stone retaining wall in the rear of the property, which will be exposed during construction, and to create a design giving the public access to the wall's entire length.

"Given that some development is inevitable, this seems to be the best possibility for preservation," Sullivan said.

Benjamin Thompson Associates--the firm responsible for designing New York City's South Street Seaport Boston's Quincy Market and Cambridge's Crate and Barrel building--will serve as architects for the project Banker said.

The plan includes a terrace for dining, which looks out on the historic wall--all in an attempt to create an "inviting retail environment," Banker said.

In addition, Banker said he hopes to bring back many of the tenants who occupied the building before last year's fire.

"I know I personally miss the Ta Chien restaurant being there," said Banker. "They have signed an agreement with me to move into the new building."

Banker said the Roka Japanese restaurant retains a liquor license for the Eliot St. site, a non-transferable privilege. This give Roka a powerful incentive to move back Banker said.

But the restaurant recently opened a branch on Mass Ave. between Harvard and Central Squares. The Uda family, which owns Roka, could not be reached for comment.