Commission approves special use for Maximillian Social Club at 101 South Porter Avenue

The Planning Commission voted 9-0 on May 1 to recommend a special use permit to allow a bar, tavern or lounge with food service and an outdoor seating area at 101 South Porter Avenue. The applicant said the business will operate as the Maximillian Social Club and described a small upscale bar concept with outdoor patio seating.

Staff told commissioners the building formerly housed a restaurant and is in the C-3 intensive commercial district and the Porter Corridor overlay. Staff noted that the special use requirement is tied to the proportion of alcohol sales (special use is required if alcohol exceeds 50% of sales). The site plan presented to commissioners showed the interior bar area and a patio to the side; the hatched area on staff's site plan was outside the scope of the special-use request.

Applicant representatives Eric and Robin Frederickson (present at the hearing) and the project's speaker said on-site rear parking and street parking will serve customers; staff confirmed parking exists on the street and in the rear. Commissioners and members of the public spoke in favor, pointing to outdoor seating and activation of a corner lot as benefits to downtown vitality. With no public opposition, the commission unanimously forwarded the special-use request to City Council.