Alpharetta officials are launching into a new phase of the City Center project reshaping the downtown area.

The Alpharetta City Council Monday night rezoned the 25-acre site to the Mixed Use category based on a development plan presented by MidCity Real Estate Partners. It’s the first step related to fleshing out the private sector parts of the project, the so-called outparcels. City officials want vibrant street-level retail, service establishments and restaurants to expand the core area’s business base and draw more customers.

The next phase: the city will start negotiating with MidCity to sell them the pad sites. City officials say MidCity anticipates a two-year window for development of the project.