Athens-Clarke planning commissioners are not fans of a new eight-story downtown hotel's proposed design.

Developers of the Hyatt Place—slated for the corner of Thomas Street and what used to be Hancock Avenue, in front of the Classic Center expansion—are asking permission to use more stucco than downtown design guidelines allow. Architect John Wyle told the planning commission Thursday night that Hyatt wants stucco because brick is too expensive for a small-market hotel. "We have to build the building the market will support," he said.

Planning commissioners, though, said they want to see more brick. "My concern is, it's got three great floors and then sort of an Exit 52 motel on top of it," Jeff Scarborough said.

Jonathan Biron questioned how the Hyatt will look next to the Hilton Garden Inn across the street. "It's OK," he said of the Hilton, which was built before the design guidelines took effect in 2006. "This is an opportunity for you guys to do something better."

Wyle said he is using more brick on the lower floors and the Thomas Street facade because those are the most visible parts of the building, and the design is intended to blend in with the Classic Center next door. The plans are still being revised and will feature pedestrian-scale elements like an arch entrance, revolving doors, street trees and a sidewalk cafe in front of a first-floor restaurant, he said.

The planning commission will meet again Sept. 20 to rule on the request. It won't go to the Athens-Clarke Commission because the planning commission has final say on design guideline variances.