Ice House on Track to Become Gelato and Coffee Shop

The Planning Commission in February is set to review a proposal to turn the tiny Commerce St. ice house into a gelato shop.
 
Applicant Boyd Walker plans to restore the 280-square-foot, 1931 ice house for year-round operation, also serving coffee and baked goods, according to forms filed with the city.
 
The business, which is located at 200 Commerce St., expects to accommodate 12 seats inside and 30 seats outside.
 
Walker says in his application that the business would expect 50 patrons per day on average and would require four employees. Additionally, Walker proposes hours of operation from 10 a.m. to midnight with “no extraordinary noise” expected. He requests that unamplified music be available at the shop on weekends and for special events.
 
On June 12, 2010, City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation with some changes.
 
In November 2006, the structure’s canopy and a framed enclosure on the loading dock were removed without approval from the Old and Historic Alexandria Board of Architectural Review, which resulted in a fine. Walker has since worked with the city and completed necessary requirements, according to city documents. Business signage and other exterior alternations will need final BAR approval.
 
City staff are recommending that the shop close at 11 p.m. and that no live entertainment be permitted either inside the restaurant or in the outdoor dining area. Additionally, staff proposes that deliveries, and loading and unloading not occur between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. The stand-alone building sits in a residential area with some commercial properties.
 
A public hearing before the commission is scheduled for Feb. 7 at City Hall.