The Orange Historical Preservation Commission Thursday approved the design of a drive-through daiquiri shop at Simmons Drive and Green Avenue. The shop is zoned commercial, which allows the shop to sell alcohol, but the preservation commission needed to give a certificate of appropriateness for the exterior design.
The site is on the north side of Green Avenue, which is in the Old Orange Historic District. The south side of Green is not in the district.
The portable building will have a porch, awnings, and trim to make it look old-fashioned. The lot will be cleaned and landscaped.
Shann Lewis and her husband, Wilson, are planning the shop called The Frozen Orange. The site is by the Orange Boat Ramp and across the street from the Riverside Pavilion under construction. At a meeting two weeks ago, Shann Lewis said they eventually hope to sell to-go snacks in addition to the daiquiris.
All four members of the commission voted to give the portable building the certificate of appropriateness.
In other business, the commission had a split vote to allow Christine Vermeulen Hanchey permission to install three old-fashioned style lamp posts with lights in her yard.
The commission tabled her lamp post request because the historic district does not have guidelines on how many lights can be installed.
Thursday, Commissioner Ben Meadows said, “We’re running a fine line on being an HOA (Home Owners Association” that would approve any exterior decorative items. “We can get too restrictive,” he added.
He said Hanchey has a large lot and one of the three lamp posts is going to be in the back yard.
Meadows, Commissioner Suzanne Perry, and Commission Chair Alan Mesecher approved the lamp posts.
Commissioner Robin Craig opposed the installation because she thinks the commission should create guidelines for light poles in the district before giving permission.
The commission also gave approval to demolish a long-vacant building at 1003 Park Avenue. It was once Ralph’s Meat Market. The owners are planning a new project at the site.
The commission approved the drawings for a house to be built by De Leon Construction on a vacant lot in the 1900 block of Hart Avenue near Shangri La Gardens. The house will have a pitched roof plus porches in the front and back.
In addition, the okay was given to demolish an old house at 802 John Avenue. Members of the commission said they regret losing an old house, but it is beyond repaid.
The meeting was held through the GoToMeeting program online or through phone because of the covid 19 pandemic.
-Margaret Toal, KOGT-
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