Architectural Review Board reviews informal plan to convert 16 North High Street to restaurant; no formal decision

The City of Dublin Architectural Review Board held an informal review of proposed site and building modifications at 16 North High Street that would adapt the landmark structure for a fast-casual restaurant and related site improvements.

Staff said the 0.26-acre site is in the Historic Core District and contains two individually listed National Register of Historic Places buildings. The applicant described plans to remove vehicular access from North High Street, create a pedestrian path between 16 and 22 North High, resurface and restripe the parking lot (adding one area parking space), enclose openings on an existing outbuilding facing North Blacksmith Lane, add a dumpster enclosure behind 16 North High Street, provide bike parking between the buildings, and install a Type 2 exhaust hood with rooftop screening for the restaurant use.

Why it matters: the building is a locally significant, circa-1843 limestone house in the historic core; the project would change the site circulation, service access and add restaurant equipment visible from Blacksmith Lane. The board provided nonbinding feedback while staff and the applicant continue design work.

Board discussion and applicant responses Board members focused on parking, service access and the dumpster location. Staff said a recent curb-management parking survey covering historic Dublin and Bridge Street was conducted over about 18 months and includes hourly usage data; staff said the survey shows there is available parking in the historic district and that detailed data will be provided at the minor project review stage. The staff presentation also noted that code requires on-site, off-site or shared public parking within 600 feet when off-site spaces are used, and that the current use would require 20 parking spaces; the applicant proposes three on-site spaces (including one ADA) with the remainder to be provided off-site.

Applicant Eliza Ho (speaking for owner Jorge Briones) told the board the front building is about "the inside is only 1,600 square foot" and that the proposed business will be mostly takeout with some patio seating. Ho also said the owner is committed to correcting prior unpermitted work on the building and to stabilizing the outbuilding during phase 1 rather than demolishing it.

Board members urged further study of the dumpster location and service routing, noting grade changes, mature trees and sight lines behind the garage that could affect concealment and truck turning. One board member suggested the dumpster might be moved behind the existing garage in a later phase if site constraints allow; the applicant said they had explored alternatives and that the truck company had been contacted and that the proposed dumpster is expected to be 1–2 cubic yards with weekly pickup.

The board also emphasized the need for careful engineering review of the pedestrian walkway and rear vehicle/pedestrian interactions as the project advances, and asked that staff and the applicant coordinate with the city’s curb-management and engineering teams in the next phase.

Next steps No formal action was taken; the board provided generally supportive nonbinding feedback on the concept and asked the applicant to return for a minor project review with: (1) detailed off-site parking arrangements that meet code (public parking within 600 feet), (2) revised dumpster/service routing and possible alternate locations, (3) engineering review of pedestrian/vehicle interactions for the rear access, and (4) documentation about preservation/stabilization work for the existing outbuilding and trees. Staff indicated it will supply the parking survey data during the minor project review.

Ending: The board closed the informal review with direction to return for the minor project review once more detailed plans, parking verification and engineering coordination are available.