January 2026 DRC Recap: 12th & Juniper Adaptive Re-Use Restaurants
01/14/2026
The Midtown Development Review Committee (DRC) reviewed an adaptive reuse proposal to begin 2026. Two buildings located at the northwest corner of 12th St. and Piedmont Ave. are slated to be renovated for two new restaurants with shared outdoor dining. Details about the project are provided below.
1084 & 1094 Piedmont Avenue NE
The former 'Skate Escape' building will feature a new entry double door while the existing canopy will extend along the full building frontage to allow covered outdoor dining for a breakfast/lunch concept. The north building at 1094 Piedmont Ave. will be substantially repaired and is intended for a future full-service restaurant. Outdoor patio dining will be offered in front of and between the buildings. A 12th St. driveway leads to a loading area and dumpster at the west rear of the site. No on-site parking is allocated, which was allowed via a special exception (V-23-040) in 2023.
The committee praised the renovation of the buildings for new restaurant spaces but raised concerns about the level of exterior detailing. They recommended a comprehensive plan for signage and the outdoor patio area, including retention of mature trees, planter boxes, new railing systems, and bike parking.
DRC Recommendations:
- Show all trees which will be maintained onsite. Based on those trees' locations, provide a comprehensive plan for the patio dining including details about pavers, tables, chairs, and perimeter barriers – whether structural or landscaping.
- Install one or more bike racks onsite as part of the outdoor patio space.
- Confirm all outdoor patio dining will be closed by 11pm and no outdoor speakers are installed unless granted by variance/special exception.
- Indicate anticipated building signage or provide a note on the plans to confirm intention to meet the applicable sign code.
- Revise the conflict between the 1094 Piedmont Ave. building rear egress door and the proposed dumpster. Confirm the dumpster will be fully screened with min. 6' opaque screening with an operable gate.
- Coordinate with Midtown Alliance to ensure the proposed site work will dovetail with the ongoing Piedmont Avenue Complete Street Project, which is intended to improve this site's streetscaping in late 2026. This may include tapering of the western portion of the 12th St. sidewalk to maintain an existing mature oak tree.
Next Steps:
The committee expects to receive updated info for electronic review to confirm that these comments will be addressed.