Kitchen Remodel: Raising the Island

Hi,
I am 6'2 and my kitchen island's electric cooktop is 29 inches off of the ground. Basically, if I could bare to cook on an electric range I would have to sit in a chair to avoid the strain. That said, I would like to know if anyone has done the following...

Rather than spending thousands upon thousands of dollars on a total remodel of the kitchen, and don't get in a panic... it was already done long before the thought crossed my mind, I want a functional kitchen that I can do on a tight budget.
When I do finally do a remodel I will use original Eichler cabinets etc...

I cook/entertain all of the time so the kitchen is very important.

Now for the plan.
The first thing I am going to do is rip out the nasty 70's vinyl floor and carpet in the family room. I am then going to stain and polish the concrete.
I will then run a gas line from the Gas heater in the garage, 8-10 feet away, through the island to the space where I will put my new gas cooktop.
I am going to take the counter top off, and add about 8-10 inches in height by framing up from the top of the cabinets. I will then drop the new countertop, and drop in my cooktop.
Any ideas?
Cheers