Planning Commission backs Graduate East Lansing rooftop expansion, recommends council approval

The East Lansing Planning Commission voted unanimously July 9 to recommend City Council approve a special‑use permit request from the Graduate East Lansing to expand rooftop dining and alcohol service at 133 Evergreen Ave.

The application seeks a private dining room and enlargement of the rooftop terrace along with screening for rooftop mechanical equipment. Planning staff told the commission the request would increase rooftop occupancy from the currently approved 96 persons to a total occupancy of 268 (combined inside and outside, including standing room); the applicant and staff presented a reduced recommended cap of 260 patrons as part of the motion.

Planning staff summarized the request as a narrow amendment to the original rooftop special use, focused on alcohol service and increased patron capacity rather than broader building changes. "The request is to add a private dining area and expand the rooftop deck with alcohol service," staff said. The hotel was approved in 2018 and constructed after May 2020; the previously authorized rooftop occupancy and hours were reaffirmed by staff during the discussion.

Applicant representatives told the commission the rooftop expansion is intended to better serve hotel guests and local patrons who are frequently turned away when the existing rooftop reaches capacity. "We propose to take that from the current 42 inches up to 54 inches," the hotel's general manager said, describing a change to the rooftop glass railing requested by police for safety. The applicant's architect said structural and egress work is stamped and under review by building staff and the fire marshal, and that the rooftop expansion was anticipated in the original structural design.

Commissioners asked about fire and egress capacity, restroom facilities and kitchen operations. Staff and the architect said the fire marshal and building reviewers are working through standard code checks; the architect said lavatory fixtures were increased to meet code for the proposed occupancy and that food will continue to be prepared on the building's lower floor and delivered via a dedicated service elevator.

During deliberations the commission attached conditions listed in the staff report, and commissioners added two amendments: a condition to increase the rooftop glass/guard height to 54 inches and a technical amendment to align Sunday hours with the applicant's request (extending Sunday closing to 11 p.m.). The motion to recommend approval to City Council included the staff conditions, the two added items, and a cap on rooftop occupancy not to exceed 260 patrons. The motion passed unanimously.

The commission recorded the action as a recommendation to City Council; final approval and any permit issuance remain with council and city staff review. The item will be scheduled for a future City Council meeting; the planning commission packet notes permit-level details and outstanding building‑department items remain to be completed before construction.

Votes at the Planning Commission meeting were recorded as a unanimous recommendation in favor; the item will move to City Council for final action.

The commission also heard the applicant describe operational plans for security, crowd management and staff training for high‑occupancy events. The hotel said it will increase security and supervisory staff for large events and that it uses regular emergency-response drills and inspections under its brand standards. The applicant proposed a private dining room converted from an existing suite to reduce noise impacts on adjacent guest rooms.

City staff will continue to coordinate with building, fire and police departments on outstanding permit items before final approvals and permits are issued. The Planning Commission packet and staff report list the approval conditions the commission adopted and note that the prior 2021 conditions referenced in the staff report remain part of the approval package.