LDDA to accept Masonic Lodge; developer to renovate 592 Lounge and city advances parking-lot plans

The Lithonia council received updates on two downtown redevelopment efforts: a quick-claim transfer of the Masonic Lodge to the local development authority (LDDA) and progress on the adjoining parking-lot and streetscape project.

Staff reported that LDDA voted to accept the building under a quick-claim deed and that the LDDA attorney is drafting the deed. Developer Calvin Chan presented renderings to LDDA; staff said the deed process could take roughly seven to 10 days. Council was told that the developer plans to relocate the 592 Lounge to the building under a lease that gives three years free rent to allow renovations, after which rent would start at $3,000 per month and increase 10% annually; the lease includes an option to renew after 10 years. Tenant responsibilities include permits, fees and bringing the building up to code.

On the adjacent parking-lot project, staff said the post office escrow is expected to close Dec. 20. The city will then survey the parcel and proceed with parking-lot work. Project bids for phase one are in hand but contractors are awaiting pricing for an underground retention/storm-drain box that affects the bid; once that component's cost is known, staff expects to have awardable bids. Staff also discussed splitting a Wiggins Street sidewalk/stormwater item into a separate project to use a remaining "SPLS one" allocation the packet lists (text reads '44,47744' in the packet). Council discussed adding EV chargers (staff said grants could cover four to six stations), additional lighting for food-truck spaces, and whether a permanent or portable restroom is needed for events. Staff estimated rendering costs for public-facing graphics and plans could range from about $30,000 to $40,000.

Council did not take a final vote on construction contracts at the meeting; staff said it expects to return with finalized bids once the storm-drain box cost is available.