Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the City of Whitewater.

Starbucks has submitted plans to the City of Whitewater for a coffee shop with a drive-thru on the west side of town. The Starbucks proposed location is the current site of the Whitewater Quick Lube at 1280 W. Main Street. The existing building will be torn down and Excel Engineering, based in Fond Du Lac, will build the new building.

The next steps are to review the site plan and issue a Conditional Use Permit during the May meeting of the City of Whitewater’s Plan & Architectural Review Commission. The property is zoned B-1 and will require a Conditional Use Permit for the drive-thru. Architectural changes in B-1 zoned properties are subject to Conditional Use Permits.

John Weidl, Whitewater city manager, explains, “Notwithstanding the technical and legislative details of the site approval and conditional use approval process, this redevelopment opportunity represents another concrete positive step forward for this community. As a very wise elected official I once worked with said, if the local government invests in community, so will others. The City will continue to support and, where possible, invest in opportunities that create housing, jobs, and bring new businesses to the City. Starbucks is a welcome addition to that tapestry.”

The City of Whitewater’s Plan & Architectural Review Commission (PARC) will conduct a site plan review at their next meeting on May 8, 2023, and render its verdict. During site plan review members of the Plan Commission will examine the proposed building for architectural integrity and ensure that landscaping, traffic, lighting, parking, street access and other factors are in line with city ordinances. Furthermore, the PARC members will consider whether the new use will be a nuisance, all necessary improvements are being made, and that the proposed plan conforms to the zoning of the site and the City of Whitewater’s Comprehensive Plan.

If PARC approves the site plan, accepts the design, and approves the Conditional Use Permit, the owner of the land and his representatives can apply for building permits. The internal review by city staff will continue throughout the building process, with engineers and public works personnel ensuring the building and site are constructed in compliance with the city code. The Starbucks plans are available for review on the second floor of the municipal building at the Public Works/Neighborhood Services counter.

Chris Bennett, Neighborhood Services Director, shares, “One more place to grab a good cup of coffee is always good for any city. In a larger sense, what this new Starbucks represents is an individual and company willing to invest in Whitewater. Couple this with the new ALDI that is coming soon, and the redeveloped ACE Hardware, and that end of West Main Street is positioned for a bright future.”