10 - Wednesday, June 24, 1992 - North Shore News Teahouse proposals presented Three applications for 19th St. waterfront location THREE APPLICANTS, each with a reputation for success in the restaurant business, recently presented engaging verbal descriptions to West Vancouver District Council of their dreams for a possible teahouse at the foot of 19th Street in West Vancouver. By Maureen Curtis Contributing Writer But their ideas and attempts to cater to neighborhood concerns did not stop John Southcott from emphasizing that he and other res- idents at the nearby Seawind apartment building continue to be opposed to a commercial venture at the waterfront site. “We see only a downside for the neighbors -— a decline in our property values,’ said Southcot! at West Vancouver’s June 15 council ineeting. All three proponents maintained that the proposed teahouse would soon become a benefit to walk-by traffic from the West Vancouver seawalk and an affordable place for local residents to enjoy a light meal. , . Each planned to renovate the existing building on the site, the former home of the Wells family, and provide both indoor and out- door seating in 4 garden setting. All three applicants said they would prepare most of the teahouse’s meals at another loca- tion, thereby preventing potential problems with cooking odors. @ George Frankel, who developed Bridges Restaurant on Granville Island, said he would decorate ’ the teahouse in the tradition of an English country home with wood panelling, moulding and antiques. He would also piay up the property’s existing bridge and wishing well and perhaps add a Great Produce! Kiwi Fruit Honey Fancy Lettuce Green Grapes (seedless) Nectarines — We also carry fresh cut flowers * Squeezed juice @ Fruit salad gazebo or an atrium. **It would be a place to go, a place to meet friends, a place to meet family, to meet neighbors,” said Frankel, who planned to spend about $500,000 for renova- tions and development of the site. The municipality would get about $2,000 per month in rent from the teahouse operation, plus a percentage of gross teahouse sales. @ Gwen Murchie said she would work to keep the cottage at- mosphere alive on the property. She said she would provide esthetic eating space inside and out and downstairs, where children could enjoy their own miniaturized tea parties. The teahouse atmosphere, she said, would be very casual, so that pedestrian traffic would feel wel- come to stop in. Service, she said, would be very professional, as it was in a similar facility Murchie opened in Victoria. Murchie estimated that about $300,000 in renovations and de- velopment would be needed. She insisted that very little disturbance would be created by the delivery of prepared foods from a small van, about three times per day. “*We can do it well, and we can do it for you,” said Murchie. @ Klaus Fuerniss and his partners from Peppi’s Restaurant estimated that changes they envisioned for the home would cost about $500,000 and would take full ad- vantage of the view, and add to JeW WEST VANCOUVER DISTRICT COUNCIL its charm with double casement windows, french doors and an enhanced garden. ‘*We want a relaxing home-like atmosphere,’’ said Fuerniss. He and his partners noted that they were the only applicant that had a vested interest in keeping the operation small and non- competitive with nearby full ser- vice restaurants such as their own. Like the other applicants, Fuer- niss said that most food prepara- tion would take place off-site, al- though some items would be made at the teahouse to maximize freshness. , The Peppi’s partners also wanted to start a seawalk walkers/joggers club and provide a place for participants to log their miles and qualify for prizes. While he was impressed by the submissions, Seawind resident Southcott. continued to be con- cerned about introducing a com- mercial venture with accompany- ing noise and ‘‘mobs of peopie’’ into a residential neighborhood. West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager reminded everyone that find- ing some revenue potential for the site had always been important because the property was never part of the municipality's list. of land to be acquired for park pur- poses. Council did not take action on the teahouse proposal, which was referred to West Vancouver’s director of parks and recreation and the parks and recreation advi- sory commission for review and recommendation. & Cantaloupe One Week Sale June 24-28 KIDSTU Great Prices! g/°4 90 39° ib. 39° bunch 69° Ib. 59° Ib. Open every day 9:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. ERRY LAND PRODUCE 1200 Marine Drive {across from McDonalds) _ North Vancouver 985-1255 rr poet lemenpee ne Le