THE FOLLOWING IS A NEWS-GAZETTE ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BAILEY

ABOVE: An upscale tavern is proposed for the former Midwest Gymnastics and Cheer Gym, which was located in the former Rex TV and Appliance store, 3234 N. Vermilion St., Danville, next to the now vacant B&J Music building

DANVILLE — Owner-operators of The Blue Store liquor stores in Danville and Westville are looking to open a high-end tavern and video gaming in the former Midwest Gymnastics and Cheer Gym on North Vermilion Street in Danville.

The Danville Area Planning and Zoning Commission will meet at 5:15 p.m. Thursday at the Robert E. Jones Municipal Building, 17 W. Main St., to consider the special-use permit. Petitioner CHD Property Developer LLC is requesting a special-use permit to allow for the tavern/bar in the B2-general business zoning district at 3234 N. Vermilion St.

The building currently is vacant and walls would be put up to divide the space, said Jesse Singh, petitioner. He said there’s a possibility of building two more stores out of the space and leasing them.

The property is owned by Jagjit and Jasvir Singh, 1315 Park Haven Ct.

Jesse Singh said they’re “not sure” on having another liquor store there. They will not have food because there’s no kitchen, he added. There would be snacks and drinks.

He said the tavern/bar could have two to three employees.

According to information about Singh’s proposal, the tavern would “provide an upscale entertainment option for Danville residents. The proposal at this time is that the tavern will not exceed 2,000 square feet, while the building has approximately 10,000 square feet of space. Extensive capital will be invested to section off and improve this space from the remainder of the building, with potential to expand for restaurant or additional retail space.”

The preliminary site plan information continues,” Given the proposed space for the tavern, the business will be in full compliance with all other applicable zoning regulations, including but not limited to signage, parking, etc. The proposed development will take another vacant building in the northern corridor and put it to use.”

Proposed hours are 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 am. to 11 p.m. Sunday.

“All care will be taken to utilize the southeast portion of the building including sound proofing that would prevent any impact to residential area behind the proposed site,” Singh continues. “There will be no impact on traffic as this is one of the busiest streets in the city. All parking is on site. No new curb cut is necessary, and lighting will be updated but not altered. There are no plans for change in landscaping except upgrades to that and the facade of the building.”

With city council approval, construction could start in two to three weeks. The development could be completed within six months.

FOR COMPLETE ACCESS TO NEWS-GAZETTE STORY PLEASE GO TO https://www.news-gazette.com/business/entrepreneurs/upscale-tavern-video-gambling-proposed-in-danvilles-north-vermilion-business-district/article_d220f0dc-7f4c-11ef-920a-fb8b4542893a.html