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Olathe planning commission approves CharBar plan to convert former Fire Station 1 into restaurant with indoor pickleball
Summary
The City of Olathe Planning Commission voted 5-0 on May 12 to approve a preliminary site development plan for CharBar to convert the former Fire Station 1 in downtown Olathe into a barbecue restaurant with indoor pickleball courts and a roughly 22,000-square-foot building addition, subject to two waivers and staff stipulations.
The City of Olathe Planning Commission voted 5-0 on May 12 to approve a preliminary site development plan for CharBar to convert the former Fire Station 1 in downtown Olathe into a barbecue restaurant that includes indoor pickleball courts and an outdoor dining yard.
Nathan Jury, the city’s senior planner, told commissioners the subject property is located at the corner of Kansas Avenue and Santa Fe Street, is about 3 acres in size and is currently used as a parking lot with a single former fire station building. Jury said CharBar proposes a roughly 22,000-square-foot addition to the existing fire truck bay and an activated outdoor dining “yard” along Kansas Avenue.
The plan calls for building materials that include brick, glass, metal panels and architectural masonry units; several existing concrete panels on the current building will be removed and replaced with floor-to-ceiling storefront glass. Staff determined the project complies with the Unified Development Ordinance except for two small waivers related to the minimum percentages of certain building material classes on the south and east facades. Jury said CharBar is providing an extensively furnished outdoor yard and is exceeding material requirements on other facades.
Jury told the commission a neighborhood meeting held in April drew support for the project. Staff recommended approval subject to the two waivers and two standard stipulations: site improvement permits for signage and required screening.
Commissioner Creighton asked whether the pickleball courts would be indoors because of typical concerns about noise; Jury confirmed the courts will be inside and noted the site sits adjacent to a railroad. Creighton also asked about the city’s relationship to the property; Jury said the property is under contract and CharBar is looking to purchase it.
Commissioner Creighton moved to approve the item “subject to all staff recommendations.” Commissioner Chapman seconded. The motion passed by voice vote, 5-0.
During announcements, staff reminded the public that the city’s comprehensive-plan update is underway and that two open-house events are scheduled: Thursday, May 29 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Indian Creek Library (K-7 Corridor, North Ridgeview Road and 170th Street areas) and Thursday, June 5 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Community Center (Parker Street, Santa Fe Street, Original Town and downtown Olathe areas). Staff directed attendees to the city website for more information at olatheks.gov/elevateolathe. The commission's next meeting was announced for June 9 at City Hall.
No public hearings were scheduled for the May 12 meeting and no additional items were pulled from the consent agenda beyond the CharBar item.
