CAMPBELL — The Water Tower Plaza in downtown Campbell is going to get an exterior revamp.

The Campbell City Council voted unanimously recently to move forward with a plan to give the historic building a new look.

Project consultant Page and Turnbull plans to remove exterior items that are not historical from the building while updating its exterior and preserving its historical significance.

Owned by Four Corners Properties, the plaza is home to the bar Khartoum, Japanese restaurant Komatsu and offices. Included in the plaza are the city’s iconic water tower and a small playground.

The building served as the Campbell Fruit Growers Union and the George E. Hyde & Company fruit cannery from 1892 to 1937, according to city staff. In 1971, the fruit-drying plant closed.

The historical significance of the building will still be commemorated through plaques, and items that were added in the 1980s, such as the green cloth awnings in the front of the building, will be removed. Designs for new business signs will be submitted to the city for approval separately at a later date.

The project will also increase lighting around the building and the parking lot.

“It’s going to bring a little light to that corner,” Councilman Jeffrey Cristina said.

Existing benches will get wood replacements. Bins that differentiate between trash and recycling will be added, as will new landscaping.

Additionally, new handicapped-accessible ramps will improve access to all entrances to the building.

“I want to compliment the architects,” Councilman Michael Kotowski said, describing the design as “backdating,” meaning the building will be revitalized to modern standards while retaining period architecture and design.

Vice Mayor Liz Gibbons discussed improving pedestrian safety in the plaza and nearby on East Campbell Avenue. City public works director Todd Capurso said staff is looking to address pedestrian and bicycle safety on Orchard City Drive. Findings by city staff will be presented at a future meeting, he added.

The building is located at 300 Orchard City Drive next to the VTA downtown Campbell light rail station, residences and downtown businesses.

To view the plans for the Water Tower Plaza, visit bit.ly/campbellcouncil.