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Planning and Zoning Commission approves facade changes for Parkwood American Grill
Summary
The Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission approved site plan amendments allowing new façade materials, a relocated sign and interior renovations at 2131 West Parkwood Avenue; owner Raz Halili told the commission he plans to preserve the porte cochere while adjusting clearance for vehicles.
The Friendswood City Planning and Zoning Commission on March 13 approved site plan amendments for 2131 West Parkwood Avenue, the building that will be Parkwood American Grill, allowing changes to exterior materials and colors and interior renovations.
Staff told the commission the proposed changes conform to the community overlay district guidelines and constitute a formality for commission consideration; parking and landscaping will remain unchanged. A small planter will be added at the porte cochere and the applicant plans to place the Parkwood sign on the building façade instead of as a freestanding rooftop sign.
Raz Halili, who introduced himself as the project owner and restaurateur, said the firm will convert the former Rancho Mexican Food building into an “upscale American dining” concept with refreshed interiors and exteriors. “It’s gonna be more of an upscale dining, American dining, cuisine, refreshed interiors, exteriors,” Halili said. When asked whether vehicles would be able to drive under the porte cochere, Halili said the existing opening is tight and the design will be adjusted to allow drive-through or valet access on rainy days, but very large pickup trucks likely will not fit.
Commission members confirmed there are no changes to parking, landscaping or lot layout; the revisions are limited to the façade, sign placement and interior fit-out. A commissioner moved to accept the plan as presented; another commissioner seconded, and the chair called the question. The motion passed (all in favor). The approval recorded was of the site plan amendment as presented, subject to the application materials on file with city staff.
The project team said the same design consultant that worked on the applicant’s Galveston restaurants is producing the new Parkwood facade; the applicant described the design as a transition between classic and contemporary elements. No permit or construction dates were specified at the meeting.
