The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors unanimously voted their support of a plan by Tom Donall to open the Spiral Video Bar, which will hold almost 400 people, at 1128 W. Ardmore Ave.
The owner, who came with a packet of letters from supporters including the Mayor of Lansing, MI, has specialized in preserving and revitalizing historic buildings in economically depressed commercial districts. His plans for the existing structure include a video bar designed by Donall, who is a steel sculptor, and architect Ed Weber, designer of Sidetrack; an art gallery and workshop and four residential units. Donall plans to live in one of the units, and rent out the others.
Donall plans to operate a community based business which will be available for organizational fundraisers and private parties. He has begun the cleaning process and obtained a permit for interior demolition.
Donall’s presentation spoke to all the issues that come up at community meetings:
Parking: There are eight on-site spaces which will be made available first to the tenants. In addition, Donall has made arrangements to lease 90 off-site parking spaces on Broadway and on Hollywood Ave. for his patrons. One will be strictly for valet parking. During non-club hours, the spaces will be used by local businesses.
Noise: The structure is built solidly with massive walls and a concrete/steel roof which engineers have examined and expect to deaden all noise. It is next to the elevated tracks whose use drowns out all other noises. Patrons will exit from the track side of the building, in a secured 5’ wide area.
Residences: There are no immediately adjacent residences. All are separated from the club by a street, railroad track or alley. The owner will live in an apartment on the premises and will be easily available.
Odors: There will not be a restaurant here.
Safety: The club will replace a vacant building that was a notorious drug house and gang hangout for years. Police have commented positively on the proposed occupancy.
Traffic: The club is expected to be patronized by many local residents who will walk, bike, or take public transportation to the venue. The Red Line runs 24 hours a day. Cabs will also be used. Drivers can park at the garage on Hollywood Ave. or give their car to a valet parking service which is being hired by the operators. The valet service will use Broadway and the alley behind the Broadway Armory to arrive at the parking lot, without using residential streets.
Licensing: The Spiral Video Bar is requesting a 2 a.m. liquor license. This would require the lifting of the liquor license moratorium for taverns in the immediate two-block area for a one year period. They are also requesting a zoning variation that will allow them to use off-site valet parking and a special use permit to operate a public place of amusement.
Chamber Board Members were excited about the potential of this development that will bring hundreds of new customers to Edgewater and keep even more close to home. According to Edgewater Chamber Chairman of the Board Jack Sweetman, the area near Ardmore Ave. has been lagging in economic development and needs this stimulus. He noted that the city has recently issued statistics showing millions of dollars of expenditures by Edgewater residents are “leaking” to other communities because of the lack of sufficient retail. Jobs will be created and opportunities for artists will be available through the gallery.
Donall currently owns the Spiral Video Bar in Lansing, MI. It has been in operation for four years and he has maintained excellent relations with neighbors and neighborhood organizations. |
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