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Relocating Restaurant Eyes Repair Shop

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By KATHY STEELE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 24, 2008

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - The owners of a proposed Sangria's restaurant recently filed to rezone property on Hillsborough Avenue, next to Starbucks.

A hearing is scheduled Aug. 28, though city officials say a required traffic analysis could push the date into September.
Initial plans are for Sangria's Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant to replace Larry's 4X4 Auto Service Center, 512 E. Hillsborough Ave. Up to two additional restaurants and office and retail space are possible, according to a site plan filed with the city.

"It all hinges on what the city is going to allow us to do," Sangria partner Steve Blank said.

Sangria's owners were evicted from South Howard Avenue during a landlord dispute last year and soon after announced intentions to relocate to Seminole Heights.

The repair shop would be remodeled and slightly enlarged, with parking planned for 56 vehicles. A residence at 5502 N. Cherokee Ave., behind the repair shop, is proposed for offices or retail.

Sangria's owners want to rezone the auto shop and residence to planned development. They would close a portion of Mohawk Avenue, which dead-ends at Cherokee at an Interstate 275 offramp. An alley linking Mohawk and Comanche avenues would remain open.

A grassy swath of right of way off Hillsborough between the restaurant and Starbucks would be vacated and paved for a walkway.

The city council in February approved sales of beer, wine and liquor for the restaurant. The Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association supported alcohol sales with the stipulation that the restaurant never become a bar.

The association's board likely will get its first view of the Sangria's site plan in July, President Susan Long said.

In addition to council approval for rezoning, the project will require review from the city's Architectural Review Commission because the property is within a historic district.
Hyde Park architect and historic preservationist Roger Grunke is working with the restaurant owners on their site plan and building design.

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 835-2103 or ksteele@tampatrib.com.

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