Planning Commission recommends approval for Fieldhouse expansion and new pizza shop at 213 Ann Street

The East Lansing Planning Commission on May 14 recommended that City Council approve a special use permit allowing the Fieldhouse Sports Bar to expand into adjacent Suite B with alcohol service and converting a vacant Suite C at 213 Ann Street into a pizza/sandwich shop without alcohol service.

Planning staff said the project has been through multiple iterations since the commission first reviewed it in November 2024 and that City Council deferred action in February pending revisions. Under the current proposal, the building's total occupancy remains 330 persons across the suites; the applicant plans to continue sharing kitchen facilities between the main restaurant and the new pizza operation. Staff included conditions carried forward from the 2010 special-use approval where they do not conflict with the new proposal.

Ken Jones, representing the applicant, told the commission the current plan is "substantially the same as what you approved in the past" and asked for a vote at the meeting. Owner/operator Sam Usman said he is an East Lansing resident and described the plan as an effort to "elevate our food experience and provide food throughout most of the day," and indicated he expected outdoor activity to be consistent with other downtown establishments. Usman added he did not want the business singled out for different outdoor-hours restrictions, noting many downtown outdoor seating areas are authorized until midnight.

Commissioners discussed patio hours, noise and neighborhood impacts. The police department comment included in the staff report was noted; staff confirmed most outdoor seating authorizations downtown run until midnight, although individual businesses may choose earlier closing times. Planning commissioners also noted the Downtown Development Authority will review the proposal; the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval with five staff conditions and the prior 2010 conditions A–K where they are not inconsistent with the new permit. The motion carried by voice vote and the item will proceed to City Council.

The file identifies the owner as 213 Ann Street, Inc.; the Downtown Development Authority will review the item as part of its process before council action.