The city of Durango’s Design Review Board has recommended approval of a rooftop patio at Nayarit Mexican Cuisine.
The restaurant, at 2525 Main Ave., plans to build a seasonal, outdoor patio on top of its building that is expected to seat more than 40 people, according to a summary of the application submitted to the Planning Commission.
The proposal now goes to the Planning Commission, which has final approval authority over the application. City staff has recommended the Planning Commission resolve parking and traffic issues before granting final approval.
Mike Schweitz, co-owner of Nayarit Mexican Cuisine, said he hopes to have the rooftop deck built before the end of the year.
“It’s not a great big project, it should only take a few months once we get started on it,” Schweitz said.
While parking at the restaurant may be an issue for some customers, Schweitz said that even with the addition, Nayarit Mexican Cuisine will have enough parking between its two lots to meet code requirements. But that doesn’t mean the restaurant is out of the weeds.
The Colorado Department of Transportation has a problem with the limited parking at Nayarit Mexican Cuisine, which creates congestion in the parking lot and can result in backed-up traffic on north Main Avenue, which is overseen by the highway department. City staff recommend the Planning Commission continue the application until those concerns are addressed.
Five community members wrote the Community Development Department opposing the proposal. Among their complaints: light pollution, noise pollution and limited parking.
The rooftop deck will have its own menu with new options, said Junvenal Corona, co-owner. Customers can expect new plates and tacos that will be available only upstairs May 15 through Oct. 15, Corona said. Bartenders will serve drinks from a rooftop bar and live music will be offered.
“We are getting very popular, so we’re trying to have more seats for our customers and a nice atmosphere for our customers,” he said.
This will be the third remodel at Nayarit Mexican Cuisine since the restaurant moved into the building in 2015, Schweitz said.
“The city works pretty well with us,” Schweitz said. “I think it’s just a matter of jumping through the hoops and coming up with solutions to the codes and requirements.”
bhauff@durangoherald.com
