“It’s something that’s been a long time coming for downtown,” Cotter said.
Construction is expected to begin next month and will be completed in October. The plan calls for canopies and heating in order to use the outdoor dining area this fall.
Earlier this year, residents who participated in Springfield Tomorrow, a program designed to attract and retain the under-40 demographic in the city, said more outdoor patio dining was listed as an amenity needed in the community.
O’Conner’s Irish Pub recently moved from Northmoor Drive to the former Perkins at 2200 N. Limestone St., building an outdoor bar and patio which has been busy this summer. Cotter says this proves there’s a demand in Springfield.
“You drive by any evening and it’s packed,” Cotter said. “People are speaking with their wallet, with their feet. We don’t want to take away from O’Conner’s; we want to add to Springfield.”
The outdoor lounge will be an amenity both to Springfield and visitors coming to the hotel from out of town, Cotter said.
As part of the project, the city has vacated about five feet of right-of-way in front of the hotel on the corner of South Fountain Avenue and High Street. Three parking spaces will be removed, but a sidewalk will be installed for pedestrians traveling downtown.
Mela opened in April of 2004.
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