Borough Council Approves Plans for Expansion of Firehouse

The Malvern Borough Council approved preliminary plans for the expansion of the Malvern Borough Firehouse at its meeting on Tuesday, July 19. Additionally, the co-owner of Firecreek, Tom Deignan, presented before the board preliminary concepts for a restaurant that would be built at 16 E. King St.

Firehouse expansion

Paul Andrew Sgroi, associate at Bernardon Haber Holloway Architects, presented the preliminary plans for an expansion to the Malvern Fire Company property.

Several changes to the plan have been made since last May, such as the removal of plans for an antique room and lounge room, and other limits to the project's scope for monetary reasons.

"The project is still alive but much more modest in scale," Sgroi said.

The additions—including new baths and shower rooms, accommodations for equipment that's currently stacked and stored outside, and new office space—will comprise 3,880 sq. ft., bringing the total square footage of the building to 14,580 sq. ft.

One of the fire company's parking lots will be removed to make room for the additions, as the fire company has more parking than it needs currently or for predicted future needs, Sgroi said. He noted that the total impervious coverage would be reduced as a result of the new plans.

Council approved the preliminary plans in a unanimous vote, with Vice President Catherine Raymond absent.

Potential restaurant plans

Tom Deignan, owner of Carollton Design/Build and co-owner of Firecreek and Doghouse Gourmet Burgers in Downingtown, came before the council on Tuesday night to discuss his proposed plan for a restaurant at 16 E. King St.

Currently, the site houses King Street Traders. Deignan would purchase both floors of the building and convert it into a two-story restaurant, the concept for which is currently a moderately-priced, upscale seafood restaurant, he said. Deignan said he has been in contact with a five-star chef who might be interested in coming on board with the project.

"We're not putting Le Bec Fin out here, but it won't be a grab-and-go sandwich shop either," Deignan said. "… "I think options are limited these days, and I think we can bring a new twist to the town."

Deignan came before the board to discuss parking issues, at the recommendation of the Planning Commission. Because municipal parking can only account for 39 of the 65 parking spaces required for the restaurant, Deignan came before council to discuss what his options are.

With a "fee in lieu of" rate set at $25,000 per parking space, the $650,000 required to forego those 26 additional spaces would stop the project in its tracks, Deignan said.

If the parking problems are resolved and all goes according to plan, the restaurant's doors could be open as early as next spring, Deignan said.

Council voted to place the parking issue upon the agenda of the next council work session on Aug. 2.