Old Town North office building getting restaurant conversion

An office building in Old Town North could be getting a refit to open up a restaurant and retail space on the ground floor.

A Special Use Permit application filed by Asana Partners for 500 Montgomery Street indicates that the owners of the Madison Place office building are looking to make changes to the ground floor to bring in restaurant and retail space.

“The Property is developed with an 8-story office building that was constructed in the late 1980’s,” the application said. “The Applicant intends to renovate the existing office building, and its plans include the conversion of existing ground floor office space into activated retail and restaurant uses. As illustrated on the submitted materials, the Applicant proposes to establish a restaurant on the ground floor in the northwest portion of the building proximate to the intersection of Montgomery Street and N. St. Asaph Street.”

The change would bring the building’s streetscape more in line with neighbors to the north, like Sisters Thai. The proposed changes also include a 1,300-square-foot conversion inside for a dining space, as well as an outdoor dining space.

There’s no word in the application of what restaurant or retail could move in, and an attorney representing Asana Partners could not be reached for comment.

The building is part of the new Old Town North Arts and Cultural District and the applicant has identified a 1,300 square foot space on the eastern side of the building that will house an arts and cultural tenant for at least 15 years.

“The Applicant’s proposed building renovations and site improvements will activate the Property and the surrounding area by establishing community-serving retail, restaurant and arts
and cultural uses,” the application said. “Approval of the requested SUPs will contribute to the vibrancy of the neighborhood consistent with the City’s vision for Old Town North.”

The application is scheduled for review at the May 3 Planning Commission meeting.

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