BAR

211 Rutledge Avenue (Fuel Cantina) is on the agenda of the January 20 BZA-Z Meeting to request a zoning variance, allowing a significant increase in density in the neighborhood. Why is this issue important? We break it down here.

City Council passed an amendment that allows Board of Architectural Review (BAR) purview when an applicant desires to have it within the Historic Materials Demolition District. That means that Upper Peninsula residents trying to preserve the historic character of their homes will have better tools to do so.

On May 14, 2025, the BAR-L approved a hotel at 657 King Street that exceeds allowed height in the split-zoned district on a portion of the property. Historic Charleston Foundation filed a legal appeal, arguing there’s no zoning uncertainty and the decision sets a harmful precedent.