Staff backs downtown bookstore/cafe SUP; beer-and-wine service requires city council variance and TABC permit

Planning staff presented a specific‑use permit application (SUP2000600) for a ground-floor bookstore and cafe at 112 North Center Street, an adaptive reuse of the Masonic Lodge that would occupy roughly 3,700 square feet.

A planning staff member said the proposal "does have approximately 3,700 square feet, retail bookstore, cafe, gathering space, and alcohol services intended to complement the retail cafe and gathering functions rather than serving as the primary component of the use." Staff explained the downtown future‑land‑use map and the downtown master plan support mixed‑use infill and that the proposal aligns with city goals for downtown revitalization.

Staff noted outreach results: 30 mailed notices produced 14 letters of support and zero letters of opposition. The proposed operational plan restricts alcohol to beer and wine; staff said that any move to mixed beverages or liquor would require an updated SUP process and separate state licensure. Commissioners asked how children's programming would coexist with on‑premise alcohol service; staff deferred operational specifics to the applicant and noted that TABC and code compliance rules limit where alcohol may be served on premises.

The applicant will need a city council–approved alcohol proximity variance (staff said the variance is scheduled for Oct. 20) and a valid TABC permit before serving beer and wine. Staff recommended the commission forward the SUP to the regular meeting with conditions including adherence to the operational plan, council approval of the alcohol variance, and TABC permitting. No formal action was taken at the staff briefing.