Mount Pleasant Planning Commission to evaluate new businesses plans, bar/night club, Mountain Town expansion Thursday

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Several new business ventures, including a new restaurant and bar/nightclub, could make their way into Mount Pleasant.

On Thursday, a Planning Commission public hearing will help determine the future of five proposals. Three of the proposals involve new dining establishments for the area.

A special use permit is requested for a restaurant and bar/nightclub on South Mission Street. City documents show the business is proposed as a 3,500-square-foot facility and could potentially create 28 employee positions.

Mayor Jim Holton hopes to expand Mountain Town Station, 506 West Broadway St., on the northeast side of the restaurant.

“I’ve had the idea for two years now, but the economy scared me a little,” Holton said. “Now is the time to move forward.”

The expansion would add a fine, upscale dining component to the restaurant, he said.

It would look different and have a different menu, though it would still tie into the train theme of the eatery, Holton said. Mountain Town Station does not take reservations now, but he said the additional restaurant would almost require them.

“I see this as a restaurant for special occasions like anniversaries, engagements, birthday parties, maybe a business partner or client is in town,” Holton said. “This will have a quieter atmosphere than the rest of Mountain Town.”

A bed and bistro

Jean Prout, owner of Centennial Hall, 306 West Michigan St., has plans to open a bed and bistro called The Ginkgo Tree Inn. at 309 N. Main St.

The vacant Victorian house would be renovated inside, complete with a library, five bedrooms and eight bathrooms, and a restaurant open to the public as well as guests.

“This would be another feature and historical element for downtown,” Prout said. “I want to attract people to Mount Pleasant, have them feel at home and decide, ‘Let’s just stay here tonight.’”

She hopes to help draw people to Mount Pleasant for eating and shopping opportunities available by giving visitors a place to stay close to downtown.

The original building for The Ginkgo Tree Inn is zoned as an office. A restaurant/inn is currently not allowed in that district.

“If the rezoning is approved at the hearing, the next step would be going to the city commission,” said Jeff Gray, director of planning and community development.

The two other projects on the agenda are to build new housing on Main Street for students.

Olivieri Homes proposed demolishing an old building at 1001 S. Main St., in order to construct a new building for 12 occupants. The building would be for registered student organizations.

Tim Driessnack, who owns several rental units in the area, wants to construct a two unit rooming dwelling for up to 8 occupants at 1029 S. Main St. The units could have four occupants in each.