Board reviews conceptual demolition and rebuild proposal for McDonald’s on High Street; staff asks for bike parking

City staff presented a conceptual plan to demolish and rebuild the existing McDonald’s on High Street and relocate new seating closer to the sidewalk with surface parking at the rear. The design team said the change is intended to make the restaurant friendlier for couriers and more pedestrian‑oriented.

Stephanie (Planning Division) said the proposal is generally consistent with the University District plan’s recommendation to place buildings near the street and locate parking to the rear, but staff noted that bicycle parking was not shown on the site plan and recommended adding it. "As the design progresses staff recommends the applicant work with building zoning services to determine if any variances will be required as well as review the University District plan guidelines for materials, lighting, landscaping and graphics," Stephanie said.

The applicant said a nearby leased parking lot to the south will no longer be available, which is another driver for the rear surface parking. Board members asked about pedestrian amenities, exterior seating and potential landscape treatments to soften the frontage. The board did not take formal action; staff advised the applicant to return with additional details — in particular bicycle parking and material/landscape specifications — as the design advances.

Next steps: applicant to update designs to show bicycle parking and work with staff on landscaping, materials and any required variances before returning for further review.