Downtown storefront redesign, trellis approved; developers plan street seating and a right‑of‑way license

The board on April 17 approved final storefront façade improvements for the properties at 9094 and 100 East Garden Street in the Palafox Historic Business District. The project’s revised design simplifies the elevations, adds a continuous trellis across storefronts for planted vines, removes earlier stained canopies, and includes a sunshade “eyebrow” feature that will be lit at night.

Applicant Scott Salas told the board the team removed the previous stained canopies and streamlined the palette. He said the project team has included construction details for the trellis so the vines will be trained and maintained, not merely decorative. Salas also told the board there are currently two prospective tenants for the end units; he said both are food operators and will place tables and chairs in the sidewalk/right‑of‑way. Those outdoor uses will require a license to use the right‑of‑way and coordination with the city; a board member further warned that part of the corridor falls under FDOT jurisdiction and the license/permitting for state right‑of‑way will be handled by the state rather than the city.

Board members generally praised the simplified palette and the continuity the trellis provides. The applicant noted some construction details — trellis netting and planned maintenance — and said signage and final tenant fixtures will return to the board for later review if required. The board voted to approve the final facade package as presented.