Mentor Beach Park seeks restaurant proposals

Mentor, Port Authority prepared for next step in repurposing plans

Plans for a restaurant in Mentor Beach Park pavilion are back in business.

The city of Mentor and Lake County Ohio Port & Economic Development Authority this week jointly issued a request for proposals to create a lakefront destination and event space at the park, 7779 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake. It is owned by Mentor.

The main floor of the pavilion is 7,200 square feet. There is a basement of about 4,800 square feet with a sub-basement underneath.

The entities envision the main floor being converted to a sit-down restaurant while the basement would be renovated into an event space,

but both parties are open to suggestions from responders, according to a Port Authority press release.

Outdoor decks with lakefront views could be built on the main level and basement entrances. Proposals that maximize the use of space on all three levels will be favored, the release says.

The Port Authority will work with the selected candidate to ensure necessary public infrastructure, such as additional parking or adequate utilities.

Tax abatement is available through Mentor-onthe-Lake’s Community Reinvestment Area Tax

Exemption Program. Mentor’s Economic Development Grant program also can be applied for.

Depending on the ultimate scope of the project, other economic development assistance may be available as well, officials say.

“We have decided we wanted to do a more openended approach and see what kind of response we get,” said Peter K. Zahirsky, the Port Authority’s director of coastal development. “The details will be worked out once we’ve identified a qualified candidate.”

Leasing to an operator is the most likely scenario, he said.

Proposals must include the following:

• Resume of previous experience identifying not

less than five years of experience directly related to restaurant management or development

• A detailed description of the concept or theme and how the building will be used to accomplish the goals of the project

• Time periods for commencing and completing construction, and installation of equipment

• Estimated build out and/or improvements cost, and proof of financial capability

• A floor plan and rendering of the interior finish of the building for any anticipated improvements or modifications

Proposals will be evaluated on thoroughness, experience level and alignment with Coastal Development Plan and Landside Communities Plan of Lake

County.

They must be submitted in PDF form to Mentor Economic Development Director Kevin D. Malecek at malecek@cityofmentor. com by close of business on April 10.

Malecek sees a mid- to upscale eatery in the spot, perhaps both.

“Lake Erie has always been our strongest, yet probably most underutilized, asset as a city and as a county — and, indeed, there are no public lakefront dining options from the East 9th Street Pier in Cleveland to 30 miles east in Fairport Harbor,” he said. “The request for proposal aims to change that, and provides area restaurateurs with the opportunity to show us their vision for a lakefront dining spot with unparalleled

views.”

The idea for repurposing the pavilion for a restaurant first was floated in February 2018, when the Mentor administration and City Council held a work session on the matter.

The lease would include the parking area around the building, which is often rented for events. Mentor City Council would have to approve the lease agreement and renovations.

Mentor-on-the-Lake leaders also would be consulted as they have zoning authority over the property, primarily used by its residents.

The remainder of the park would remain open to the public.

The pavilion currently provides a popular rental

space. However, the facility is operating at a loss based on maintenance and manpower costs. Mentor spent about $150,000 on replacing the roof in 2017.

Zahirsky said lakefront dining is among the top requests he receives.

Mark Haynes Construction of Norwalk recently installed about 3,000 cubic yards of stone over 275 feet of shoreline to protect the pavilion and an additional 120 feet of stone along the east side of the property. Total cost was $368,616.