Project Review: 4006 Lindell Blvd. (McDonald’s)
Background
The owner and franchisee for the existing McDonald’s restaurant at 4006 Lindell proposes to demolish the existing structure and build a new McDonald’s on the same site. The new building will conform to McDonald’s new design that dispenses with the traditional mansard roof. The restaurant will be sited in a similar fashion as the current building, set back from Lindell with street-visible surface parking and a double-lane drive through. Plans call for a pole sign near the front of the property. Click here to download the project rendering.
St. Louis City Review Process
The zoning for the site allows restaurants, with a conditional use permit required for restaurants offering drive-through or carry-out service. The application was submitted to the Conditional Use Committee, but was pulled from the agenda by the developers per the expressed concerns of Alderman Joe Roddy and CWE Midtown Development. The City has informed the applicant that they must have neighborhood and aldermanic input before they can again be put on the agenda.
CWEMD Concerns
When evaluating projects, the Development Committee considers several criteria that may vary from site to site. Criteria are generally designed to ensure that new developments meet the goal of creating a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use neighborhood. The McDonald’s is located on a block of Lindell with tremendous long-term development potential. A primary question for the Development Committee will be the appropriateness of the new design in context with potential future development.
Recommendation
The Development Committee recommended approval of the plans for the new McDonald's on the condition of improving pedestrian access to the building and allowing bicycles to use the drive-through.