Title
Discuss and consider action regarding an application for an architectural waiver for property addressed as 115 E. Main Street, to be known as the Prost Accessory Food Service Structure architectural waiver (ARC2026-00178).
Summary
The subject property is located at 115 E. Main Street in the Downtown District, zoned General Business 1 (GB1) and Downtown District Overlay (DDO). The existing structure is one of the original buildings in downtown and is occupied with a bar/tavern land use. Prior to occupancy, the owner made minor exterior improvements to ensure the front of the building was accessible and added signage to the builiding. The rear of the building was modified to include new windows, an outdoor balcony, and an exterior stairwell to provide access to the rear of the property from the upper story. The rear of the property is further improved with patio space and is used as a biergarten. A mobile food vendor has been located in the rear of the property, off of the alley, to provide patrons of the property with food options. In lieu of continuing to add mobile food vendors at the space, the owner has proposed to install a permanent kitchen facility on the property, which will continue to provide food options to the patrons of the bar. The proposed kitchen space is proposed to be accessory to the bar and will be owned/managed by Prost.
As written, the Downtown District architectural requirements do not speak to accessory buildings and therefore as a new permanent structure being added to the property, the structure would need to comply with the current Downtown District Overlay architectural requirements, which is limited to Queen Anne or Richardsonian Romanesque. In addition to the architectural requirements, a new structure would also need to meet the minimum two story requirement. The owner of the property has proposed to add a permanent structure to ensure food remains an uninterrupted option to the patrons and the proposed improvement will be located to the side and rear of the property.
The proposed request is to allow the new accessory structure to be allowed without meeting the architectural requirements of the Downtown District Overlay.
Staff Recommendation
Acknowledging the intent of the Downtown District Overlay (DDO) architectural regulations, strict adherence limits the use of the property and is not recommended. Approval of the proposed architectural waiver will allow an existing outdoor space to become more permanently activated and the architecture of the new structure will not negatively impact the surrounding area. Approval of the request will ensure the spirit of the code is preserved as the proposed building is located off of the alley, subordinate to the principal use, and the proposed materials will complement the materials currently in the rear of the property. Staff recommends approval of the proposed Architectural Waiver request.
Drafter
Jeremy Frazzell, Principal Planner
Attachments
1. Location Map
2. Staff Report
3. Letter of Request & Rendering