Commission approves first reading of Ghost Orchid lease at Village Art Plaza; owners pitch restaurant-brewery concept

The City Commission gave initial approval on first reading Tuesday to a lease with Ghost Orchid at Sunrise for two city-owned units next to the new Village Art Plaza, clearing the way for a restaurant that will produce craft beverages on-site and host community events on the plaza.

Ghost Orchid co-owner Fernando Plata described the concept as a "full service restaurant that produces and serves their own craft alcoholic beverages" as well as craft-brewed sodas. The proposed tenant will build out approximately 2,342 square feet with indoor and outdoor seating, a kitchen and a small area for brewing and distilling. The lease is a five-year term with options for three additional five-year extensions and provides no monthly rent for year one with rising rent in subsequent years; the city will fund construction of permanent improvements and the tenant will supply furniture, equipment and interior finishes.

City staff described event obligations in the lease: Ghost Orchid must organize and host a minimum of four events per month in year one, a minimum of six events per month in year two, and a minimum of eight events per month beginning in year three. Events are to be held on the Village Art Plaza stage when weather permits and include one larger annual event such as a jazz festival and other community building activities.

Capacity, operation and controls

During the meeting owner Fernando Plata said the proposed space would seat about 50 people. He emphasized a curated, family-friendly approach and said alcohol consumption would be controlled: guests would not be permitted to take alcoholic drinks off premises in normal operations; the tenant will comply with liquor licensing rules and the city's landlord responsibilities. "We will obey by all the municipality rules," Plata said.

Commission deliberation and vote

Commissioners asked about parking and impacts on the surrounding neighborhood, including nearby schools and churches. City staff said on-street spots, shared parking near Library Square, and occasional overflow agreements with nearby properties would handle typical demand; staff also noted the city owns the property and can enforce lease conditions and operational obligations more directly than it could across the street at a private site. After discussion the commission approved the measure on first reading by roll call (4–0).

Why it matters

City officials described the Village Art Plaza and the associated lease as an economic-development tool to activate a long-underused main-street corridor and attract complementary businesses and foot traffic. The proposal drew public comment from local residents who voiced concerns about alcohol near a family-focused plaza and an elementary school; the tenant and staff emphasized controls, curated programming and community activation as central to the concept.

Next steps

The lease passed first reading and will return for a second reading and final action. Staff will work with the tenant on final lease documents and monitor event and operational compliance once the tenant is operating.

Speakers cited in this article include Fernando Plata (owner, Ghost Orchid at Sunrise), City Manager (presentation), city economic development staff and several commissioners and residents who commented during public comment.