Caesar lovers will love this news.
Representatives of SML Contracting were before Huntsville’s General Committee on November 29. They were asking for a small road allowance in front of the property at 93 Main Street East to be closed up in anticipation of a new business opening up at that location in the spring—an 1858 Caesar Bar.
“We’re here to represent a very small and complicated property in our town, very much loved with many, many mysteries that keep on uncovering,” said Jay Brubacher. “Basically, we’ve got some great new owners on that property who are looking to open a business in the spring. It’s exciting. It’s going to be great for the town, great for business development, all these things,” he said, adding that as contractors they are working to prepare the property so that the business can open in the spring.
Brubacher spoke of a small piece of property in front of the Wilgress building between River Street and Main Street. He said it was recently discovered through the planning process that it is owned by the Town. “And so we are just looking to have that added as quickly and efficiently onto the rest of the property,” he said.
Closure requested marked in purple on the sketch submitted by the applicants to General Committee.
He said it would be nicely landscaped. “The main use of it is patio space for the new business except… at the east end where part of it would include a garage.” Council also heard that a corner of the property is owned by the District of Muskoka and the owners would enter into a licence of occupation for the same.
Councillor Cory Clarke noted that the property is an iconic location in the town and wanted to ensure that the exterior of the garage would fit in with the downtown. He also wanted to know what the silo structure on the property would be used for.
“We are very aware of the aesthetics of the existing building and our desire is to make the garage fit well with that in keeping with the historic nature of that building,” said Brubacher, adding that the contractor is still working with the owners of the building on the exterior. “We want to make it look great. We want to make it fit the existing [character]and the silo… we’ve moved that offsite for now so that it doesn’t get damaged. It will be returning to the site and being installed on the patio and it’s going to be used as a serving space for the new business.” Brubacher also noted that the structure will sit in a lower position on the property and with landscaping, it will blend in nicely.
“I’m very excited about this business coming to town,” said Councillor Scott Morrison. “I’ve been to the original and it was lined up out the door, so I think they’re going to do extremely well so thank you to the owners, whoever you are, for bringing your business to Huntsville…”
Morrison asked what other changes were planned for the existing building. Braden Vallery, also with SML Contacting, said there would be an extension from the upper floor of the building that will tie into the addition which will access the new rooftop and include a piece of art.
Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock reminded councillors that the application was to simply close the road allowance and that the site plan would be going through the proper planning process.
Councillors approved the application.
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Pat Lightfoot says
As we all know, the Town of Huntsville has recently underwent considerable expense, planning, and construction in order to beautify the downtown core.
How have the following considerations been addressed?
1. Would the existing beautiful, mature trees on that property be protected?
2. How would the size and location of the garage affect the visibility for those turning right from River Street?
3. How would vehicles entering and/or exiting the garage impact traffic on Main Street?
4. Is there room for delivery trucks to stop for unloading supplies without interrupting the traffic flow?
Jacquie Howell says
I am very confused
What is the purpose of a 3 car garage behind a patio?
The picture destroys the entire historical corner
3 garage garage doors and a metal silo wow
I think the developers showed no interest in the historical downtown. It could have been such a great opportunity for development in a historical location
Jacquie
Murray Christenson says
“ thank you to the owners, whoever you are, for bringing your business to Huntsville…” let me get this straight, an application to rebuild a core piece of downtown real estate was approved by council without knowing who the owners are?
No wonder we’re having such difficulties installing washrooms in the park.
Brenda Begg says
I agree with the comments and concerns noted by Pat L. and Jacque H.
I honestly don’t see how a silo (is it metal?) and a three car garage on this lovely “historical location” complements the existing structures. In my opinion, they do not. They are unsightly distractions.
Please go back to the drawing board.
Michael Petropulos says
The plan provided does not detail parking provisions. The Canvas parking is privately owned for plaza patrons, ONLY!
Donna Glashan says
What Pat, Jacquie and Brenda said. It’s a small property, and if anything’s allowed to go there, it should complement the Wilgress building, not stick out like a sore thumb.
Susan Godfrey says
I echo the comments above including, and it’s incredulous to me, that Council doesn’t know who the owner is?! I’m just getting ahead of said owner: add insult to injury and put a patio on top of the 3 door garage..the Anglican priest and her family can dance looking out the east facing windows of the manse as well as the west and north windows that already have “bar patio views.” Lovely.