Midtown III, one of Center City Philadelphia’s last diners, has closed
MICHAEL KLEIN / STAFF
The Philadelphia Inquirer: Just about two more years were all Ray and Vivian Tafuri wanted out of the Midtown III before retirement.
Then came the pandemic. Their 24-hour diner became unworkable in a town without open dining rooms.
The Tafuris shut down the Midtown III earlier this month when they realized that delivery services, their only option in addition to a modest takeout trade, were eating their meager profit. Center City offices, the couple’s bread and butter, remain largely empty. The late-night bar crowd that used to fill its lounge is nonexistent.
City of Staunton approves removal of Stonewall Jackson Hotel neon sign
City of Staunton approves removal of Stonewall Jackson Hotel neon sign. Monique Calello, Staunton News Leader
From the News Leader: STAUNTON – The City of Staunton announced in a news release that they have approved the removal of the Stonewall Jackson Hotel’s neon sign that sits on the hotel’s main rooftop.
Earlier this summer, Staunton Hotel, LLC submitted an application for a certificate of appropriateness to remove the neon sign.
Staunton’s Zoning Administrator Rodney Rhodes has approved the COA, to the extent approval was necessary, for the complete removal of the sign and supporting structure, the news release said.
owners of landmark north beach tripod spire appeal decision preventing its demolition
Owners of landmark north beach tripod spire appeal decision preventing its demolition: can a property owner can be compelled to maintain a structure for the public benefit?
From Re:Miami Beach: Beach Legal Properties, owner of a one-story building on 71st Street that contains the tall white tripod structure above its roof, has appealed a Miami Beach Design Review Board decision preventing its demolition. Last month, the DRB agreed with a Planning Department staff recommendation that a demolition permit should not be granted without plans for a replacement structure on the site. Neisen Kasdin, Managing Partner of Akerman’s Miami office, argues the structure is no longer used for its intended purpose as a sign and is now an illegal structure. Refusing demolition, he said, and forcing the owners to maintain it as a public benefit is burdensome and a violation of the owners’ property rights. The appeal will be heard by the City Commission.
The structure isn’t historic, but it is a highly recognizable landmark in what is now the Town Center, an area envisioned to revitalize North Beach. The owners filed for a demolition permit of the 55-ft tall postwar-modern architectural element in October 2018 but were told they needed DRB approval. An application was filed with the Board in April 2019 and the first hearing scheduled for July of last year.
Suzette Crêperie & Café grand opening in former Weintraub’s Deli in Canal District
Suzette Creperie & Cafe opened Saturday in the former Weintraub’s Deli on Water Street. T&G Staff/Ashley Green
From Telegram.com: WORCESTER – Suzette Crêperie & Café opened its doors to the public Saturday in the iconic former Weintraub’s Deli at 126 Water St.
The family-owned business, co-owned by Jean-Luc Wittner and his wife, Evelyn Darling, is an authentic French crêperie serving savory and sweet crêpes with gluten free and vegan options, coffee drinks and pastries.
The café offers indoor and outdoor seating as well as takeout. Post-COVID, Suzette ultimately will have 40 seats inside, including 10 bar-style seats at a kitchen counter where customers can watch the crêpes being made. Plans include seeking a beer and wine license to offer a selection of French wines.
The business started two years ago in Boston but moved to Worcester when the owners saw the opportunity to be in the well-known Canal District location knowing that the Pawtucket Red Sox minor league baseball team would relocate and build a new stadium in Worcester a couple blocks away.
City of Tulsa installs new replica neon signs on Route 66
Photo by: Courtesy of the City of Tulsa
From KJRH 2: TULSA, Okla. — As you drive pass Avery Plaza Southwest along Route 66, you may notice a blast from the past.
The City of Tulsa installed 20-foot-tall replica neon signs at the new attraction on Southwest Boulevard near West 17th Street.
The $500,000 signs were funded through the Vision 2025 Route 66 project, according to city officials.
The city said it plans to hold a lighting celebration in the near future.
For more information, visit the City’s website.