Owner outlines plan to restore Shea Building as soda shack; council points to planning review and permits

A new owner of the Shea Building told the Eureka City Council he plans to restore the late-19th-century structure and operate a soda-and-drink shop with an alleyway drive-through and two upstairs rental units.

The owner, who identified himself as JJ (first name John Junior) Valerio (last name given in the meeting; not related to other local Valerios, he said), said he purchased the building and the adjacent alleyway and plans period-correct exterior restoration and interior features including an antique stationary steam engine as a centerpiece and historic photographs on the walls. The proposed ground-floor use would focus on flavored sodas, coffees, bubble tea and possibly small concessions; the owner said he may place curtains or windows on the upper floor and is considering creating one or two apartments for long-term rental, with two off-street parking spaces behind the building.

Council members and staff praised the restoration of a vacant historic building but raised multiple site-specific concerns. Members emphasized the need for proper building permits and inspections, noting past work on the building lacked inspection records. Council and staff urged the owner to ensure that all work follows building-code requirements and to coordinate closely with planning staff and the city’s permit process.

Several members raised traffic and parking concerns about using the alley as a drive-through and about cars accessing the alley from the hill that connects Main Street and Dublin; council asked the owner to confirm property lines and noted that overnight parking rules and snow-plow access would require off-street spaces for upstairs tenants. The owner said he owns part of the adjacent Elks parking area and that the rear of the building offers two to three parking spots; he said overnight parking would be required in the rear and he would include that in tenant agreements.

Planning staff indicated the item is on the planning commission’s agenda; staff and council recommended the owner meet with planning staff and UDOT as needed for any curb or access changes. Councilmembers repeatedly urged the owner to coordinate with Patricia on business licensing and to complete all required inspections before opening.

Ending: The council did not approve specific zoning or permits at the meeting; the proposal will proceed through planning staff review and (if needed) the planning commission and permit process.