"The new design defines where the institution stops and the residential neighborhood begins," he said.

After hearing thoughts from residents, the commission members went through specific details of the plan, ranging from parking and foot traffic impact to the placement of bike racks.

The commission debated several aspects of the proposal, such as the use of terra cotta for the building surface as well as landscape plans.

The MCNCDC finally decided to approve the proposal, but will create a list of conditions for the University to address at a meeting on Oct. 2. The conditions are not expected to derail the approval, however.

All of the commission members praised the University for listening to neighborhood concerns.

"The input by the community has resulted in a far superior project," commission member Tony Hsiao said.

The University must now seek approval from Cambridge's Planning Board, the Board of Zoning Appeals and the City Council.

"This is just one of many approval steps to come," said Mary H. Power, Harvard's senior director of community relations.