The Historic Review Commission approved a scaled-down version of National Aviary expansion, and agreed that the Iron City Brewery has potential to meet the city's historic criteria today.

Patrick Mangus, executive director of the Aviary, said the Aviary has raised $17.5 million and decided "it is more practical to build with what we have from what is a very good plan."

The project -- scaled back from 20,000 square foot to 10,000 square foot -- includes a 150-seat theater with flexible seating, a rooftop theater for raptor shows, a classroom enlargement and a cafe with a group entrance.

"We would love to be able tp expand north and west," he said. "but I am a pragmatist."

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