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Commission approves steakhouse at 504 E. Washington; owners say they will lease parking from nearby church
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a proposal for a steak concept at 504 East Washington Street and reviewed signage, exterior finishes and parking arrangements, including a lease of roughly 15 church parking spaces.
The South Russell Planning Commission on Oct. 16 approved an application for a steakhouse at 504 East Washington Street, including restaurant signage and an equipment enclosure, after hearing a detailed presentation from the applicant team.
Jason Piazza, identified in the application as the applicant and a founder of Hanger Brands, described the concept as an “approachable” steakhouse aimed at families and date nights. Piazza said the restaurant will offer a range of menu prices and described the interior and exterior design elements during the commission’s review.
Architect Sarah (last name not specified) walked commissioners through the site plan and exterior materials, explaining proposed wood siding, charcoal accent panels and a push-through illuminated sign framed with thin neon. Piazza said the company has a local neon vendor and noted the design will incorporate a small neon subscript.
Parking and access were a major part of the discussion. The applicant told the commission they have a leased arrangement with the neighboring St. Joan’s (referred to in the meeting as Saint Joan's) for roughly 15 parking spaces and plan to use a local valet service on busy nights. One commissioner summarized the arrangement as “15 parking spots for a thousand bucks a year,” which the applicant acknowledged as the figure discussed with the church. The commission’s zoning staff indicated that the provided parking arrangement meets the code requirement as presented.
Commissioners also asked whether signage would require Architectural Review Board (ARB) approval; staff indicated the project will proceed through the ARB process as required. The applicant said there will be no outdoor seating tied to the application and that the team intends to be “good neighbors” by coordinating with nearby businesses and the church.
After questions and community comments, a motion to approve the application was made, seconded and carried. The meeting record shows several commissioners voting in favor on the roll call (recorded names included Mark Porter, William [last name not specified in transcript], and Phyllis Marino). The applicant indicated a target to open within roughly a year.
The approval covers building signage and the fenced equipment enclosure as presented; the project remains subject to any ARB review and final permitting.
