What will happen with the former Towne House Restaurant Property?

One year later the Towne House looks exactly the same.  Even now, it looks like customers could walk right in, hang up their coats and order a drink.

There it sits as though it looks like it could open today to welcome customers as it did for so many decades for so many families.  The kitchen might need a little work, but I'm sure it, as well as some of the dining rooms look much like they did before it was closed(minus the decor, of course.)  Even the American flags out front still flutter as they always did.

Truth is, it's now been over a year since the much beloved Towne House Restaurant was closed back in 2015.  Since that time, despite some unfounded speculation, there's still no comprehensive plan towards what awaits this property.  That's a bit odd to me, as this isn't some obscure, dilapidate warehouse on the outskirts of town, or maybe more accurately, an abandoned hotel project on the east side of town; but a prime location sitting right in the heart of downtown Media at a time when these types of projects (i.e. West End Flats/Walk, Promenade at Granite Run) are booming.  It's also at a time where the economy is some-what favorable for such projects, as optimism and certainty have shown an uptick in the right direction.

That said, it's impossible to know for sure what we'll happen to this location in 2017.  Could a plan be unveiled soon, or at least an informal vision be shared?  Is the market hot enough that speculative holding of the property more prudent?  Can the cost of ownership and development work with in the current zoning requirements, or will agreements be needed?  Is the developer just taking their time and dealing with other priorities?  I suppose it could be a bit of everything I mentioned, I have no idea.

Either way, it would be nice to hear the intentions of what will be done with the property.  Even if it's something like a, "Yes,  we're committed to the development of the property and hope to make an announcement in 2017....."  As vague as that might sound, it still gives an assurance to the community and I think that's important.

It's been 10 years and we still haven't heard anything about the once proposed Hampton Inn and that was the biggest news in Media at the time.  I'm pretty sure I had more interest from stakeholders on possible options for the hotel than Media's politicians, but that's another story.

What has moved on is what the Towne House was once known for, family gatherings and get togethers.  I hear Spasso's is now affectionately called "The New Towne House."  That's certainly a stretch, but makes some sense and is a nice accolade none the less.  Congrats, Spasso's!