Franchisee Orders Up New McDonald’s

Stillwater Gazette:

One of the city’s most longstanding businesses plans to make a big change within the next nine months, when the McDonald’s at 14545 60th St. N. is slated to be demolished and rebuilt.

Franchise owner/operator Jim Duval, of Woodbury, told Oak Park Heights City Council members he plans to close the restaurant for three months and spend roughly $1.5 million on the project, which would replace the 37-year-old building with a new, slightly larger restaurant with an indoor play area.

Duval and McDonald’s representatives went before the council on Tuesday seeking approval for their overall plan. After some debate, the council voted 4-0 to issue the business three new conditional-use permits and two zoning ordinance variances. (Councilman Mark Swenson was absent.)

Most of the discussion focused on whether the fast-food restaurant should be able to have the bright yellow striped awnings called for in its plans and whether it would be allowed to keep its existing pole sign, which is larger than what is permitted under the city’s current sign regulations. Continue reading.