Walk-up, drive-thru coffee shop proposed at Dexter shopping center

DEXTER, MI — A coffee shop would serve customers through a walk-up window and drive-thru at a Dexter shopping center, if city officials give it a green light.

If approved, a free-standing Ziggi’s Coffee would be constructed at 7061 Dexter-Ann Arbor Road on an out lot fronting the road in the Dexter Crossing Shopping Plaza.

The Dexter Planning Commission was generally in favor of the idea, but city planners on Tuesday, Sept. 3, voted to postpone considering plans for the site and an application for a special land use permit for the coffee shop.

City planners and consultants gave applicant Brett Paul, of XSITE Real Estate, suggestions for tweaks to make before bringing plans back to the commission at a future meeting.

As proposed, it would be approximately 865 square feet and feature a drive-thru with spaces for vehicles to queue, a walk-up window for pedestrians, bike racks and parking. It would not feature any indoor dining, but an outdoor patio is proposed.

“Ziggi’s menu items include gourmet specialty coffee, espresso, tea, energy drinks, fruit smoothies, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, cinnamon rolls among other food and drink items including a dedicated menu for kids,” according to a project description submitted to the city.

The Colorado-based coffee shop has expanded to more than 90 locations. If approved, the Dexter shop would be a franchise location owned and operated by Garnette and Miranda Roberts.

Paul presented plans, saying they are “compatible” with the shopping center and surrounding area.

He said it would have “a minimal impact” on the surrounding environment and infrastructure and “capitalize on existing traffic” rather than generate more traffic.

However, city planning consultant Megan Masson-Minock, with Carlisle Wortman Associates, said the proposed plans are “not ready at this point.”

“They do need direction,” she said, including on architecture and other aspects of the site design.

Since the shopping center abuts the city’s “Ann Arbor Road Corridor” zoning district, it is subject to a set of design standards called form-based codes and must match the character of the area.

Among a list of recommendations for tweaks, Masson-Minock suggested using a wider range of colors and modulating the facade.

City planners and staff also discussed a need for more landscaping around the building, less intense lighting, and a wider sidewalk, among other tweaks.

Safety concerns were raised about a proposed pedestrian pathway leading to the drive aisle.

However, Miranda Roberts informed city planners the pathway is “for staff use.”

“During peak hours, our staff will be outside with iPads ordering” to help lines move quicker, she said.

The commission didn’t set a deadline for revisions to plans, but they are expected soon. The commission’s next regular meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 7.

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