Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Nick's Renovation



It may behoove those of us that would like to see some economic activity in this town to attend this important study session. I'm sure it won't be smooth sailing (although, I think it would be short sighted to obstruct this project) and attendance and support will be important tomorrow. I would share this with others interested in the resurgence of our city.

Jim Wagner
 

http://www.cityofpacifica.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=4155

13 comments:

todd bray said...

Boy, lots of exceptions, waivers and a 98% FAR. Underground parking would be below Mean High Tide Mark. Staff seems to think it consistent with the RSP.

Sounds like that other proposal from 2006.

Anonymous said...

Can anyone comment on how this proposal is the same or different from the previous one?

Kathy Meeh said...

"Can anyone comment on how this proposal is the same or different from the previous one?"

Anon, does it matter? See item 3, page 4 of the plan. The small regulation exceptions are in reference to the 25 year old 1986 Rockaway Beach "specific plan". And, this plan seems similar. Remember John Curtis loved the 2006 plan.

And, Todd or others, as you understand would underground parking about the same as the Best Western Lighthouse next door? It seems that might be an improvement to the current "catch a waive" parking.

todd bray said...

The plan a few years ago... or the proposal... was a partnership between a lot of folks who were going to purchase NICKS. The Tribune back then reported NICKS had been sold. It wasn't.

Anyway, it was for a larger project not as attractive as this current one and had the restaurant right at the waters edge with an all glass facade.

I'm sure the Gusts are well aware of any regulatory issues they will face as well as the environmental/longevity issues of a project of this size.

I'm more curios about the FAR and parking exceptions. If the proposal was only two stories it sounds like there wouldn't be a need to mitigate those two red flags.

This is a moderate proposal compared to the 2006 idea and I liked that one. I said so to Nick at the time. So I'm hoping to like this one also.

Loves Nick's said...

Sounds wonderful. I wish the Gust Family Good Luck in all their endeavors and will support you every step of the way.

todd bray said...

There are currently elevations on AOL/PATCH. The project looks very attractive, very very attractive. At 2 stories it seems a walk, at 3 stories there are some hurdles.

Kathy Meeh said...

Todd, I appreciate your view and opinion on this property. Eh gad, what a huge long-range expense and undertaking over a multi-year period for the Gust family and whoever else may be investing. Here's that link from Pacifica Patch: Nick's proposed Restaurant/Motel.

Wonder if the city will agree and favor moving this project forward assuming it can be developed as part of the existing redevelopment zone (within current California legislation). If so, advantaged, enhanced redevelopment sales tax for the city it will produce.

Anonymous said...

Write like Yoda talks, you do.

Lionel Emde said...

I have to laugh at parking exceptions as a possible impediment. If I recall rightly, the Gust family screamed loudly at all the parking exceptions granted to the redevelopment properties in Rockaway Beach in the past. It would be totally hypocritical to hinder them now that they propose a renovation of a Pacifica landmark, i.e., their business.

todd bray said...

At the session last night one commissioner wanted to change the front parking area into a walkway/trail of some kind. It already is a walkway/trail. He said he would give the project an exception for parking if that happened. Nick pointed out the parking had been there since 1954, that he wasn't changing the bar or restaurant, at all, just building the hotel and spa around it and that the lot is as much a part of NICK'S as the bar or restaurant. He pointed out that lots of folks park there to watch the water and sunset and never come into the business.

That is something I can attest to. We have an elderly friend who drives here from the valley to park at NICK'S and watch the water/sunset from an EASY BOY chair he keeps in the back of his old pick up truck. He spends hours there drinking beers and eating old guy sandwiches.

I've been on jobs in far away places surrounded by jungle and have met folks who have been to NICK'S. Folks from literally all over the world.

NICK'S is Pacifica's icon, like it or not.

Just a Regular said...

I hope they include a lovely ladies lounge with a quaint balcony for relaxing and having a ciggie. Ocean view is preferable.

Nick's Rockaway said...

Todd your shameless plugs will not get you a freebee

todd bray said...

Ha, Nick's Rockaway, I don't really ever go there so no worries about that. And my comments should not be taken as a plug for NICK'S. Mentioning how far and wide it's fame reaches is an interesting story. I was in Malaysia up in the midland jungle at an abandoned tin mine painting a large set piece ( a wooden bridge) that was to be blown up hiding from the afternoon rain when a S. African co-worker asked me were I was from. I said Pacifica and she asked me if I knew NICK'S. A guy from France and another from Belgium also knew the place. I'm in the jungle surrounded by mud, rain and spider monkeys robbing all our crap and these folks are talking about NICK'S. No freebies for me please.