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Board approves conversion at 494 West Walnut Street; applicant to add bicycle parking or pay in lieu and consider alley lighting and landscaping
Summary
The East Franklinton Review Board approved a change of use and exterior alterations for 494 West Walnut Street to operate as a bar and restaurant, with staff‑approvable conditions for bicycle parking or payment in lieu and for alley lighting and landscape details.
The East Franklinton Review Board approved a conversion of a historic house at 494 West Walnut Street into a bar and restaurant with additional second‑floor seating, subject to staff‑approvable conditions including bicycle parking or payment in lieu and added alley lighting and landscaping.
Staff described the application as consistent with the East Franklinton plan and noted the applicant had previously received approval in 2023 for a related mixed‑use conversion. The current proposal removes a second‑floor residential unit in favor of restaurant seating and preserves an existing catalpa tree in the rear yard. Staff recommended approval with the condition that bicycle parking be provided along Walnut Street or in the adjacent alley; the applicant said he would supply bicycle parking where feasible but otherwise would pay the in‑lieu fee per the special parking arrangement.
Applicant Blake Compton told the board the original 2023 plan was scaled back after code and cost issues (notably a sprinkler requirement) made the residential component infeasible; he also said the project saved a large catalpa tree in the rear. Compton said he has a letter of intent with a tenant proposing a Japanese‑focused small‑plates and whiskey concept and indicated the building’s palette will move toward a black/white aesthetic rather than the previously proposed bright green.
Board members asked about alley lighting and landscaping; the applicant agreed wall sconces and limited plantings or a rock garden in the narrow alley could help improve safety and aesthetics and said alley murals could be considered in a future phase. Staff confirmed signage will return for separate review and that any graphics or landscape plans would follow.
A motion to approve with staff‑approvable conditions — bicycle parking (or in‑lieu payment), alley wall‑sconces, and consideration of alley landscaping — passed on roll call. Recorded votes were: Fergus—approve; Way—approve; Crowley—approve; Schmidt—approve; Benner—approve. The board approved the application with the conditions noted.
