FAIRBANKS -- A developer who wants to fix up the vacant Polaris building is asking the Fairbanks City Council to consider refunding the $142,000 in plan review and building permit fees he expects to pay.

Anchorage developer Marc Marlow on Monday updated council members on his plans to redevelop the 11-story former hotel into a mixed commercial and residential structure -- nine floors of apartments, street-level commercial space and a restaurant on the top.

Marlow was involved in restoring and reopening Anchorage's McKay Building. Marlow wants to start work on the Fairbanks project this year.

He estimates it will cost $19 million. He has been seeking waivers and tax credits from numerous government agencies.

The council will review and vote on Marlow's proposal at a later meeting.

His plans for the 100,000-square-foot building include 117 apartments of varying sizes with rents of up to $1,050 a month.

"This project is like pushing water uphill," Marlow said at one point, but noted he remains optimistic.