Developers overseeing two well-known franchises in Florence, United Dairy Farmers and Comfort Inn, are seeking approval from the Boone County Planning Commission for makeovers that would modernize the appearance of their properties.
On Oct. 1, the Boone County Planning Commission held public hearings for both projects, allowing the legislative body and the public to deliberate on each.
United Dairy Farmers
United Dairy Farmers at 8577 Dixie Highway in Florence is seeking approval from the planning commission and fiscal court to demolish and rebuild the gas station and convenience store in anticipation of increased competition from the Wawa planned to open across the street.
To do this, UDF needs to obtain permission from the planning commission and fiscal court to change the zoning designation of 1.8 acres of land from Industrial One to Commercial One.
Last week, the planning commission held a public hearing for K4 Architecture, the design firm representing UDF, where they unveiled the redesign plans.
Boone County Planner Steve Lilly said the new UDF design will resemble more recent UDF complexes, such as the one at 9520 Union Promenade Drive in Union.
“The architecture should look pretty common to everybody here, because it’s very similar,” Lilly said. “It’s almost identical to the existing UDF at the Union Promenade.”
Some features of the rebuild include constructing a new 6,300-square-foot convenience store and a gas canopy with eight pumps.
Across the street from UDF is the future site of a new Wawa, which UDF views as a direct competitor. Mike Collins, a representative from K4 Architecture, said the teardown and rebuild will better allow UDF to compete with Wawa.
“That is a direct competitor now,” he said. “We are obviously trying to make sure we match their level of service, and with the new stores, we can offer closer products, food services and all of that compared to Wawa.”
The next step for the request is to be presented in front of the planning commission’s zone change committee on Oct. 15.
Spark by Hilton
Bimal Patel, on behalf of NOKY Inc., requested a modification to the concept development plan for the current Comfort Inn at 7454 Turfway Road in Florence.
Patel informed the planning commission that his company plans to convert the hotel from a Comfort Inn to Spark by Hilton, a premium economy brand within the Hilton portfolio.
“We did build it as a Red Roof Inn in the late 90s, and have since converted it to a Comfort Inn, and now we’re putting more significant capital improvements to bring it into the Hilton family of hotels, and their brand Spark by Hilton,” he said.
If approved, the change to the concept development plan would introduce a new yellow and white color palette at the hotel. Additionally, the plan included a mural, which raised eyebrows among some commissioners. Craig Jacobs with Pivot Studios told the commission that Hilton requires the mural to be included at Spark brand hotels.
Patel mentioned he was negotiating with Hilton to reduce the possible negative effects of the color palette. Ultimately, he aims to balance the needs of the local community with Hilton’s brand standards.
“We’re trying to negotiate with the brand and what the local guidelines are, so we’re happy to accommodate any kind of request that you may have when we get into committee,” he said.
The next step for Patel’s request is to be heard by the planning commission’s zone change committee meeting at 5 p.m. on Oct. 15.
