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Gilbert Redevelopment Commission approves Clare House Social project at Gilbert and Vaughn
Summary
The commission approved DR25‑171 to repurpose the former Bergie’s Coffee House site into Clare House Social, retaining the existing building, adding two small service buildings and a large pergola for primarily outdoor seating; staff recommended approval and the motion passed.
The Gilbert Redevelopment Commission voted to approve DR25‑171, the Clare House Social proposal to repurpose the former Bergie’s Coffee House site at the intersection of Gilbert Road and Vaughn. Staff presented the plan and recommended approval; after brief discussion the commission passed the motion.
Kristen, who presented the case to the commission, described the proposal as a repurposing of the existing Clare House building with two new, single‑story additions: an L‑shaped walk‑up service building of about 1,000 square feet along Gilbert Road and a restroom building of roughly 500 square feet near the southern property line. The existing Clare House building will remain for limited indoor seating and restrooms, and a large pergola will cover most of the site to provide outdoor seating and gathering space. Kristen said the design replaces previously proposed Spanish tile below the pickup windows with red brick to better match adjacent developments, will add a drinking fountain and a garden‑style landscape plan, and includes a mural on the south elevation to address a previously noted blank wall.
The plan’s materials and heights range from about 15½ feet to 20½ feet, and staff recommended approval of DR25‑171 at the public hearing. "The applicant did a great job of blending the historical aspects of the old Bergie’s building with the new and improved buildings," said a commissioner during discussion, calling the proposal a positive reuse that will "bring some life back" to downtown. Commissioner Beau Bigelow said he was "very happy and relieved" the Clare House is being preserved and implemented in a way that benefits longtime patrons.
A commissioner moved to approve DR25‑171; another commissioner seconded. Commissioner Beau Bigelow was recorded voting in favor, and the chair announced that the motion passed. The public hearing record showed no public commenters for the item.
At the same meeting the commission also approved the minutes from the regular meeting of 02/18/2026. Councilmember Dan Torgerson used the reports portion of the agenda to invite residents to a Digging the District Heritage District open house on Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the University Building in the Heritage District. The commission adjourned at 6:14 p.m.
