City Council reviews 7 Brew drive-thru coffee plans for Highway 9 site

The City of Milton Design Review Board (DRB) convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on the proposed development of a new drive-through coffee shop at 12875 Highway 9, known as 7 Brew.

The meeting commenced with a motion to recommend approval for a project related to Birmingham Highway, which was unanimously supported by the board. Following this, the board turned its attention to the courtesy review of the 7 Brew coffee shop, presented by applicant Max Pontrelli and his team, including an architect and engineer.

The proposed site, currently a vacant lot, is located near Windward Parkway and adjacent to existing businesses such as Walmart. The design aims to incorporate feedback from city staff, focusing on site layout and landscaping to meet city codes. The board discussed the existing vegetation on the property, noting that many trees would be removed to accommodate the new structure.

During the presentation, the applicant outlined the building's features, including a drive-through service model similar to that of Chick-fil-A, with an emphasis on efficiency and customer experience. The design includes a pavilion for outdoor seating and a walk-up window for customers. Board members raised questions regarding the landscaping plan, particularly the need for additional trees along the southern property line to enhance the visual appeal and provide a buffer from the adjacent parking lots.

The board expressed a desire for a minimum of five specimen trees to be planted, which was incorporated into a motion for approval. The motion passed unanimously, with the stipulation that the applicant would return for a final review incorporating the board's recommendations.

The discussion then shifted to the building review, where the design team presented detailed architectural plans. Board members provided feedback on various aspects of the design, including the size of the cupola, roof overhangs, and window styles. Suggestions included reducing the overhang dimensions and simplifying architectural details to align with a more cohesive aesthetic.

The board concluded the meeting by agreeing on a set of recommendations for the building design, which will be addressed in the final review. The applicant was encouraged to incorporate these suggestions to enhance the overall character of the development.

In summary, the DRB meeting highlighted the board's commitment to ensuring that new developments in Milton align with community standards and enhance the local environment. The next steps involve the applicant refining their plans based on the feedback received, with a follow-up review scheduled for the upcoming month.