Reluctant though it was, Salt Lake City's Historic Landmark Commission gave unanimous approval Wednesday to the relocation of four iconic landmarks, including the water tower and wrought-iron sign, at historic Trolley Square.

But the commission attached a thick string: The overall site plan for the mall makeover must be stamped by the Planning Commission and, on that point, things remain sticky.

The planning panel is certain to face concerns from landmark commissioners and neighbors about felled trees, poor pedestrian access and leaving the "ugliest parts" (a loading dock and parking ramp) on a prominent corner while obscuring the best parts (the historic barns).

Under the developer's current plan, the barns housing most of the existing shops would be "lost in the middle, never to be seen again," Commissioner Creed Haymond complained. "Those of us who are local are very sad to see this happen."

Landmark members worry both about a 50,000-square-foot Whole Foods store on the northeast corner - complete with access ramps and two levels of parking on the roof - as well as 20,000-square-feet-plus of retail planned for the mall's western flank.

"One of the things about Trolley is this rhythm and shape that goes with the trolley barns," Commissioner Esther Hunter told the Portland-based architect.

In response, architect Dan Foeller insisted designers plan to add buildings that blend - complete with a modified mission style - rather than compete with the historic complex.

"We're not trying to destroy old views," Foeller said, "and I don't think we do."

He noted groundwater prevents the developer from putting the Whole Foods parking beneath the street surface. And, he said, a refurbished pedestrian path would draw people to the original structure - albeit from the middle of the shopping center.

That did little to satisfy two community-council members, who equated the proposed plan to the "theft of historic public property."

"People have all sorts of love and now sorrow for Trolley Square," said Luke Garrott, a neighbor who also is running for City Council. "This is fundamentally . . . a bad plan. The feeling of openness will be violated."

Community-Council chairwoman Cindy Cromer agreed, saying the views from Trolley's surrounding streets would be lost. If city planners approve the makeover, however, Wednesday's vote ensures several landmarks would be moved.

Permission was granted to shift the water tower 20 feet to the south, push the 500 South Trolley Square sign a little west and scoot the trolley car to the southwest corner of the complex. In addition, the Sand House - built in 1908 to hold sand for winter maintenance on the trolley tracks - would be dismantled brick by brick and rebuilt on the west end. Plans call for a new tenant, however, since the Wells Fargo bank branch would relocate inside the larger building.