For those waiting to see some progress on the old Fenton Fire Hall, that day is coming soon.

Site plans were submitted to city officials Oct. 1 and should be discussed by the Planning Commission in the next couple weeks, according to Fenton Assistant City Manager and Downtown Development Authority Director Michael Burns.

Once the plans are approved, Clarkston Union owner Curt Catallo said crews will be ready to start working.

“Once the site plan goes through, we will do a little cleaning within and start working on the foundation,” he said. “We are right on schedule.”

There is one major change in the plans for the new restaurant.  Catallo said crews will install a low-impact addition in the side of the building to house an elevator and bathrooms.

“We want to preserve the integrity of the building to the highest degree,” Catallo said. “We didn’t want to take up great space with mandatory bathroom and elevators.  We think it was a crafty solution and we are excited about that.”

Another step towards completing the project also took place Monday night as the Fenton City Council approved the transfer for a liquor license at the location. The license will allow outdoor service, entertainment, Sunday sales and two additional bar permits.

“We are definitely on track,” Burns said. “It’s going to be nice. They want to get going.”

The deadline for completion is April 30 and both Burns and Catallo believe they can meet it. The plans call for an open fire pit kitchen and 60 beers on tap, visible through a glass window. The menu would include the Union’s famous macaroni and cheese, customized with bacon and other items. Catallo said he has plans for a patio on the roof of the building, and a bar downstairs. Catallo said seating would be very communal. He said construction could be completed for $1.3 to $1.6 million

“The process has been an exciting one,” Catallo said. “We are glad the folks before us didn’t start anything. We are looking at a blank canvas and we know exactly what we want to do and we are excited to do it.”

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