Over two years ago the city approved a proposed commercial project and heralded it as a shot in the arm for downtown Ceres.

The Leer project is still only on paper and officials are poised to grant an 18-month extension to keep the application current should the developer find reasons to proceed with construction.

"We're hopefully going to get that to the Planning Commission in March," said Tom Westbrook, director of Community Development.

Plans to build an 8,250-square-foot office and retail building at the southern flank of downtown Ceres generated both approval and praise by members of the Ceres Planning Commission back in 2014.

Bill Leer of Modesto's Leer Corporation went before the Planning Commission in January 2014 to win approval for a Site Plan Approval for the project to be constructed on a 14,375 square foot parcel at the northwest corner of Park and Sixth streets. Leer, who has projects in Modesto and Turlock, expected to start construction that spring. That didn't happen.

In 2014 Leer said he proposed to build a two-story shell building which would be improved by tenants for either office or retail uses. Leer also said he would begin marketing three upstairs units and three downstairs units with future tenants needing to obtain permits from the city for interior improvements. He said the upper floor office space will be perfect for insurance, real estate or law firms while the downstairs would be ideal for a sandwich shop or retail shops.

The Courier attempted to contact Leer for comment on the latest developments but was unsuccessful.