Owner: Casa Dominick's redevelopment may start with retail expansion
The owner of Casa Dominick’s said work to expand commercial uses on properties that adjoin the popular bar and restaurant on Monroe Street next to the University of Michigan’s Central Campus is unlikely to begin until next year.
Richard DeVarti said the poor economy and some reworking of property lines and bank loans will delay any redevelopment on the block.
“Considering the way the economy is, it’ll probably be gradual over time,” DeVarti said.
City Council approved a planned-unit development amendment for the property this month. DeVarti said he wanted to get the city approval so that he’d be ready to act when the time is right.Â
“We needed to go through this process for approval,” he said.
The restaurant, opened in 1960, is a student gathering spot located between State Street, the Law School and the Business School. It's known for its outdoor patio and sangria.
The PUD amendment folded four additional properties - including two on Tappan and one on Oakland - Â into one parcel for planning purposes, enabling different uses, such as additional retail space and a bed and breakfast, in the buildings.
DeVarti said the retail piece would probably be the first. Original plans called for possibilities like a small store or coffee shop.
He said no major changes are planned for the existing restaurant, except possibly the addition of retail space.
The PUD splits the properties into four zones, and allows only specific uses in each one. Two areas are allowed to have restaurants, residential, grocery, educational, beauty salon and office uses; one permits residential and hotel uses; and another allows artist studios and sales spaces.
The new PUD takes up 0.6 acres, while the old one was 0.1 acre.
The plan also mandates that the changes must take place within the existing buildings, unless additional construction is approved by the Planning Commission.
Freelance reporter Dan Meisler can be reached at danmeisler@gmail.com.
Comments
treetowncartel
Wed, Oct 28, 2009 : 2:16 p.m.
Anyone who goes for the SAangria over a pitcher of Jamaican Iced Tea or Constant Buzzz is truly missing out on the real Dominics experience. It was a good place for the underage crowd back in the day, just needed sommeone 21 to go get the pitchers.
wordup
Wed, Oct 28, 2009 : 2:02 p.m.
Sorry 48104 for the technical use of the word mug, I meant Mason Jar! I think that was beyond the point of my story. But thanks for the catch......
heythere
Wed, Oct 28, 2009 : 12:15 p.m.
Wow, and I thought that I was the only person who thought Dominick's food and drinks were overpriced and subpar. I think the reason you see the long lines some nights is because under-21 students are able to buy beer there.
48104
Wed, Oct 28, 2009 : 11:48 a.m.
A chipped mug? I didn't know Dominicks used anything other than Mason jars.
wordup
Wed, Oct 28, 2009 : 10:43 a.m.
I agree 100% with comments regarding poor and often time rude service! I have been treated rudely by the owner of this establishment on more than one occasion, including a time my husband was questioned for returning a chipped mug. As if giving him another draft beer was even a question to amend the problem! I find this place, the workers and owner RUDE! Another prime example of a busy Ann Arbor establishment acting like they are above and beyond. Well guess what, they are only making it harder for us to support our local businesses. I am so sick of trying to support my local busineses and either getting rude, unfriendly service, overpriced merchandise and extremely LIMITED store hours. Please people, get a clue!!!
Chuck Warpehoski
Wed, Oct 28, 2009 : 9:08 a.m.
I hear what you all are sayin', but the lines outside the door on a warm summer day show that they are doing something right.
vitaltoofor
Wed, Oct 28, 2009 : 8:48 a.m.
This is just another overrated Ann Arbor business that feels like it can treat its customer like ish, because of their reputation...Those loudspeakers that come on at closing time are more than annoying plus the rude staff make me think twice about drinking their cheap Mad Dog Sangria...Until management values the customer base - don't give these guys your money.
11GOBLUE11
Wed, Oct 28, 2009 : 7:22 a.m.
I went to Dominick's once in 2006. It seemed like a pretty cool place, but at closing time, they played this very loud screeching noise over the sound system. I realize it may be necessary to make people leave, but right or wrong the impression it left me with was 'we took your money, now GET OUT!' Also, one of the stand servers shorted me on change by $5, and then told me I'd have to write a letter to the owner to sort the matter out. Two thumbs down.