The former site of the Media Towne House Restaurant is looking to get a new LEASE on life! Not as the proposed cluster of multiple story apartments that was presented months ago, but as a new concept for outdoor dining. One of which Media, PA has never seen before on either scale or experience.
This week, the property was listed with Zommick McMahon Commercial Real Estate, Inc. who will be entertaining ideas for a restaurant setup. There is a conceptual plan of what that would entail, but it also appears there is a lot of flexibility for potential suitors to create their own vision.
From what I understand, the site could be divided up to include open dining on the Baker Street side. That would include both patio and outside (under roof) dining, which looks to me might be 35-40% of the current footprint. Indoor dining (6,000 to 6,500 sqf.) would be on the Baltimore Avenue side. Again, there's a lot of creative room to maneuver here, so the possibilities could get very interesting.
What this also attracts are groups who can do big restaurant projects like a P.J. Whelihan's Pub, Buffalo Wings, or any mix-&-match of sports bar-centric setups. That would include a brew-pub model restaurant too, which has been quite popular over the years. Victory Brewery? Who knows. (Note: the businesses I mentioned are used as examples and none to my knowledge have yet explored the listing).
As details become available, which I hope to have more in the next day, I'll be posting to this page. In the meantime, please contact Jeff Dowd from Zommick McMahon Commercial Real Estate, Inc. for further information on the property and leasing details.
I would hope that it would not be a chain but a local partnership or group so it keeps the Media hometown feel. Many years ago the enclosed section (Newer Section)toward Baltimore Ave was open with dining etc. before the enclosed it so I think that is a great idea as well. I know because I grew up across the street. It would also be great if they could offer live music and dancing since Stephen's is the only venue offering that in town and its often over crowded and pricy.
ReplyDeleteHi Kenny!!! Hope all is well
DeleteHi Kelly, I am well and hope you are to. Say hello to all for me. :)
DeleteZommick and McMahon any relation to the
ReplyDeleteMayor McMahon of media
How about a combination indoor / outdoor restaurant with upscale bed and breakfast ? Space that might include
ReplyDeleteoptions for wedding venue , etc . with a design in keeping with the original spirit . Not just another trendy bar dressed up to look like a restaurant . Please .
Great Idea ��
Delete3:17pm Anon - No.
ReplyDeleteNo, I know the McMahons that own the real estate firm.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ken!
ReplyDeletelee
This would be wonderful , an upscale resturant , Boy I miss the Towne House
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ken. As for the live music, Something that offers acoustic and varied instruments. From singer/songwriter to folky/bluegrass tunes. And of course....a shirley temple with a maraschino cherry and umbrella....
ReplyDeleteNo chain restaurants! Moderately upscale, urban vibe.
ReplyDeleteI agree, no chains. When the Towne House closed, this area lost the last decently priced restaurant where families could go for holidays or family celebrations. These traditions are important. The world doesn't need another brew pub, but an area where you could hear a band and another for a nice (but not designer) dining experience would be nice.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn’t blanket “no chains”
ReplyDeleteIt depends on the chain, I don’t think I’d go to a Chili’s or the like, but technically at this point Victory is a chain, and I’d be all over them.
What I’d really like is a nice semi-casual place, where I can have a dinner with my adult friends and enjoy their company with good food/wine/beer. Basically another Spasso, but maybe German.
Then put a chipotle’s on the old McDonalds property and I’d never leave Media again....
NO MORE BREW PUBS! Media already has Iron Hill and Brick & Brew, we don't need another beer joint.....how about something designed like Firepoint in Newtown Sq? It's inside, outside, fire pits, acoustic music and really good food....keep it classy, no chains!
ReplyDeleteThis is stupid. There is not enough business in town to support another large restaurant. Regardless of what was said about "retirement", the Towne House closed because it was not doing enough business in the bar and restaurant. The only thing keeping it alive was the wedding and funeral business. And that was without a mortgage to pay each month! If you add the cost of land acquisition and construction, that sort of place could never do enough business to survive. Sorry to say, but housing is about the only thing that makes sense there. There are already too many bars and a glut of other commercial space.
ReplyDeleteAn Apple Store with an a auditorium space
ReplyDeleteSpeakers and concerts could take place there while the former New York post office turned into an Apple Store was larger it might still work
Strip club. You know, a classy one, feathers and stuff like that.
ReplyDeleteNot sure of the demographic requirements of PJ's or if they even make their decisions based on motor vehicle traffic and median income. However, I would suggest that those two wouldn't match up with the desired requirements of most large chains. Hard to think the developer bought those three properties for 25K in rent a month. I would also think the leasehold improvements would be costly, maybe a million dollars or more.
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