Changes will occur to three buildings in downtown Clarkston if plans presented by restaurateur Curt Catallo reach final approval.
On Monday, Catallo’s plans were granted preliminary approval just after council had a lengthy discussion over parking needed for Bright Side Dental. Citizens raised concerns over parking because 27 spots would be needed for a 1,500 square foot addition.
A city resident, Catallo was before council representing his restaurant umbrella business, Union Joints. He shared plans effecting three buildings in town.
Catallo’s plans include properties at 148 N. Main (now undergoing renovations), 28 S. Main and 3 E. Church Street. The Union Joints must return to the planning commission and the Historic District Commission for final approval.
Under the plan, the Morgan’s building at 28 Main and the garage building on Church will be transformed into restaurants. Morgan’s Service will move from the location it has occupied for over 90 years to Main and Clarkston.
‘It’s a great place for Morgan’s,” Catallo said. ‘This is a better use.”
Catallo said the future of Morgan’s was of great concern when he purchased the current DPW building behind it.
‘When we purchased 3 E. Church, the previous owners asked we not use the space in a way as not to impact Morgans,? Catallo said.
New plans shows those buildings becoming a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Catallo said the new restaurant would be open all day beginning at a 6 a.m. for breakfast, and staying open until at least midnight. The menu would be breakfast, a light lunch and “comfort food.”
Catallo also said he would restore Morgan’s to a more historic look.
The old building at 148 N. Main would look good too, he added.
‘This plan allows us to preserve 148 N. Main now and restore a building which needs a little TLC.? Catallo said.
Work on the long-time auto-based at 148 N. Main is underway and includes replacing the concrete floor and changing garage doors.
Catallo has worked on development plans for 148 N. Main since last summer after entering a entering a purchase agreement with long-time owner Larry Trepek.
Preliminary designs for Morgan’s and the building behind it at 3 E. Church may include a restaurant with a 240-foot addition, seating on the roof, and outdoor seating. Parking for the restaurant, which could serve 138 patrons, was not an issue discussed at length.