City Commision: Liquor license approval postponed for proposed downtown restaurant location

The commission voted 6-1, with Commissioner Tony Kulick voting no, to postpone the vote so the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals can examine the property in more detail.

"Let me be clear, I think this is a very good project," said Commissioner Kathy Ling, who put forward the postponement. "I've always felt very strongly, though, that we rely on our experts on the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals."

Ryan Henry, owner of the Kincaid Henry Building Group, spoke to the commission about the project his company is undertaking. The property, owned by Isabella Bank, is set to undergo a full renovation, one that would convert the three-story building into a mixed residential and business unit.

Under the group's plans, the building's first floor would be occupied by a new restaurant and Isabella Bank, with the top two floors of the building housing 11 single-room and five two-room apartments. The building's original facade, constructed in the 1890s and currently covered up by a modern, 1960s facade, would be restored.

"We're well-versed in this kind of stuff," Henry said. "We've done it before and we're excited to get it going."

The new apartments would be marketed toward young professionals, downtown workers, faculty and graduate students at Central Michigan University, including College of Medicine students.

The earliest the commission could vote on the proposal is March 10.