The Los Angeles County Museum of Art will move ahead with plans for a $650 million redesign after the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to allow the renovated building to cross Wilshire Boulevard.

Most of the plan had already been approved and resources had been awarded for the project. But the City Council’s Dec. 3 vote allowed a critical piece of the plan to move forward.

Swiss architect Peter Zumthor designed the renovation for the museum, which includes a large, single-level gallery that will stretch above Wilshire.

Councilman David Ryu expressed his support for the museum, which is included in his district. But not everyone shares his enthusiasm.

Protesters appeared at City Hall for the vote to voice concerns that the renovations would create a smaller-than-expected space. They also said project plans were not properly shared with the public.

On its website, LACMA said that “without the new building, the County would be facing a minimum of $246 million in basic repairs for the aging buildings.”

The project is expected to be completed in 2023.