Here’s the restoration plan for Plymouth Old Village’s train depot
A rendering of The Villager project. RENDERING BY IMG
A Dearborn Heights-based developer has big plans to restore Plymouth’s vintage 1871 train depot at 900 Starkweather Road and the surrounding area into a “unique restaurant and bar that combines American cuisine with a Middle Eastern twist,” an application for a Planned Unit Development explains.
If the plans clear all the hurdles that come with a PUD application (the project will be the primary focus of the March 12, 7 p.m. Plymouth Planning Commission meeting), “The Villager” would offer “an ambiance that blends rustic American frontier charm with the nostalgic vibes of a classic mid-century diner.”
The venue would offer outdoor seating areas and family-oriented features like non-alcoholic drink options (along with craft beers and other alcoholic drinks) and activities for all ages, including an outdoor area for backyard games, the application states.
The Villager’s menu would include a variety of comfort foods, including smash burgers, grilled meat skewers and hot dogs (both classic and gourmet varieties).
Craft beers, classic cocktails on the menu
Alcoholic beverages would include local craft beers and classic cocktails — a major hurdle, at least temporarily, given their are now liquor licenses currently available in Plymouth.
The proposal includes restoring the depot building to “replicate its original aesthetic”.
For a PUD application to be approved by the City of Plymouth, the developer must offer public benefit features.
“The public benefit shall be one which could not be achieved under the regulations of the underlying district alone, or that of any other zoning district,” the application states.
“The proposed use of the property would be impossible under the current zoning, as our goal is to provide a diverse and affordable leisure opportunity to the community, of which the purveyance of alcohol will be a notable aspect, although not the sole focus.”
Appealing updates
The application outlines proposed updates to existing utilities, including placing overhead electrical service underground between the project buildings and pole, improvements to stormwater systems, and the installation of new water and sanitary lines to the buildings.
The project also incorporates the development of a communal park and green space, with ADA-compliant paths connecting Starkweather to Mill Street, in addition to fencing along the train tracks.
Additionally, on-site and off-site shared parking with an adjacent site to the south (873 Mill Street) is proposed.
Restaurants (except drive-throughs) are allowed in this district as a Special Land Use.
This district does not specifically permit restaurants serving alcohol; therefore, restaurants serving alcohol would constitute a deviation from the Zoning Ordinance for this proposal, thus the need to follow the path offered by a PUD.
Emphasis on green space
The project would incorporate many “green space” and vegetative elements to what is currently an entirely paved site, the application states.
“The applicant provided a description of why the project is superior to a project that abided by all the zoning requirements,” noted Carlisle Wortman Associates, Inc.
“They explain that the project is a benefit to the community because it will provide more local food and beverage options, an option that is driven by a community-oriented focus.”
The developer is Califur, LLC, located at 23500 Ford Road, Suite 4, in Dearborn Heights.
Plymouth’s 2018 Master Plan designates the future land use of the property as “Mixed use: Low Density”, which is described as: “Specific to land uses where it is appropriate to have a low-impact commercial use adjacent to single family or multifamily residential areas. This land use allows for single and multi-family uses to continue and be established, while encouraging lower-intensity commercial and office uses that can serve the residential areas.
“The Mixed Use: Low Density land use designation is generally detached buildings with the character of single-family residences that are no more than two stories.”
The task of the Planning Commission is to determine if the proposal is within the Master Plan vision for this part of the city.
