Village officials made it clear Monday night they’re going to do whatever they can to help the Zaraga family reopen their restaurant as fast as possible.
Diya Zaraga, along with his architect Steve Auger, presented two concept plans to Lake Orion’s Planning Commission. The idea was to have PC members pick one and have Auger come back to the commission with a detailed site plan.
‘Our goal is to rebuild as fast as possible. Timing is important,? Zaraga said.
By the time the evening ended, it appeared as if the new Sagebrush Cantina will be a combination of the two concept plans with the addition of a second story added to the building.
The project will encompass 100 feet of frontage on South Broadway (formerly the Sagebrush, Coldwell Banker, Kimberly Travel and Oldies).
Some of the project includes leasable space near the Verwood Apartments. The addition of a complete second story would also add more leasing space.
Much of the difference in the two concept plans focused on the amount of detailing/ornateness used on the structure.
Zaraga promised the front would look much like it did before. The major change comes in the back of the building,
‘I never thought that was attractive. Now it would look similar to the front,? he said.
‘It will be more attractive as an entry way,? Auger added.
Before an interest in constructing an entire second story came up at the meeting, much of the focus of discussion centered on a 50 foot long, 35 foot high second floor section that would house another eating area..
It’s similar to Duggan’s second floor in Royal Oak. It’s closed in, but has a lot of open windows.
‘The roof level gives him more of a presence on M-24, it makes it (the restaurant) more visible,? Auger said.
Planning commission Douglas Dendel asked Zaraga if he had considered putting a second story across the whole building.
‘I would like to see a second story all the way. It would create more space,? Dendel added.
Zaraga said he had and Auger actually had drawn up a concept plan that included an entire second story.
According to Auger, he was concerned about submitting a second floor proposal because of the amount of variances he might have to ask for.
‘I would prefer a second story in a perfect world. It would be a great addition to the village,? he added.
It appeared from a discussion by the PC members that the only variance Zaraga would have to get if a complete second story is constructed involves parking requirements.
PC members indicated they would like to see a second story put across the entire building and would cooperate with Zaraga as much as possible.
‘We want this man up and running, even if we have to jump hoops for him,? Bill Siver said.