The Historic Preservation Commission approved a new building to be built in downtown Delaware at its meeting on Nov. 30.

Ron Criswell, co-owner of 12 West restaurant plans to open a separate BBQ eatery next door at 14 W. William St., where the West End Grill used to be located. The commission approved the demolition of that building in 2015.

Commission chairman Roger Koch said he looked forward to seeing “that empty hole” filled with a new business.

The new one-story, 1,392-square-foot building’s design will be slightly similar to the Old Bag of Nails concept as it will have 17-foot setback from the property line with an outdoor patio in between. The commission approved a 3-foot high black steel spindled fence, supported by block column, to separate the patio and the sidewalk.

The commission will consider approval of the building’s sign and light fixtures at a later date.

In other business, the commission had an informal discussion with Bill Michailidis of the Hamburger Inn, 16 N. Sandusky St., about its patio.

“Your patio as it’s configured… is pretty much an obstruction of that sidewalk,” Koch said, referencing potted plants that hung from the patio’s fence polls as well as the height of the fence. He asked staff to inquire if the configuration was compliant.

The plants were removed, Michailidis said, but he also proposed to attached a clear material for his retractable awning to shield patio customers during bad weather.

Commission members Joe Coleman and Mark Hatten said the proposal would disrupt the visual flow of the downtown’s streets scape and would create a new precedent for other businesses to take advantage at their establishments.

Michailidis asked if the diner could look into the use of temporary vestibule similar to 12 West restaurant’s during the winter months. Commission members said 12 West’s permit was still in the pilot program phase.

Additionally, the concept would likely not be permitted for businesses in the downtown core district along Sandusky and Winter streets, members said.

The commission will meet again on Dec. 28.

This drawing shows the proposed front of the restaurant at 14 West William Street. The currently empty site was most recently the West End Grill and was once C.A. Bargdill Groceries.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2016/12/web1_bbq.jpgThis drawing shows the proposed front of the restaurant at 14 West William Street. The currently empty site was most recently the West End Grill and was once C.A. Bargdill Groceries.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2016/12/web1_DSC_0268F.jpg

The owners of 12 West Restaurant (shown here), plan to open a separate barbecue restaurant next door at 14 West William Street.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2016/12/web1_DSC_0276F.jpgThe owners of 12 West Restaurant (shown here), plan to open a separate barbecue restaurant next door at 14 West William Street.