Tuesday, May 29, 2007

O'Dow's plans June opening of cafe

Architect's rendering of the approved outdoor cafe at Dick O'Dow's on W. Maple.

By John McTaggart

Dick O'Dow's will have an outdoor cafe by the middle of June, after the Planning Board last week approved plans for two 2016 Plan-style cafes in the city's rights-of-way.

“Our target date is the middle of June, but we’re working to get it up and running as soon as possible,” said Mitch Black, O'Dow's Managing Partner. "After 11 years in Birmingham, we wanted to be on the forefront" of the city's implementation of the 2016 Plan idea.

The plan, commissioned by the city in 1996 from renowned urban planner Andres Duany, called for outdoor cafes on platforms in the street. The cafe at O'Dow's will occupy two city parking spots. A second, similar cafe was approved for Canella's pastry shop on Hamilton Row.