Multi-unit commercial building considered at Port Royal, to include Subway drive-thru

Subway’s new Deli Heroes lineup of four subs, includes the Titan Turkey (No. 15 on the menu), made with turkey, double provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and mayonnaise.

Spring Hill planners are considering a proposal for a multi-tenant commercial building located near the Port Royal Road Kroger, which would include plans for a Subway restaurant and drive-thru.

The proposal was brought before the Spring Hill Municipal Planning Commission this week. This included final site plans for the approximately 7,500-square-foot building, which includes five units. Planners will vote on the proposal in August.

While Spring Hill city planning staff recommends approval for the proposed site plan, and that it does meet the requirements outlined in the city’s Unified Development Code, some commissioners shared concerns regarding the design.

Alderman Matt Fitterer, in particular, addressed the Subway’s proposed drive-thru. just in its location, but its practicality considering how a Subway sandwich is typically ordered compared to other fast-food establishments.

“If I’m at the menu board, especially if I know it’s a touch screen and I’ve got to pick out my sandwich that I’m unfamiliar with, and I’ve got three other people in the car, I’m going to spend some time at the menu board and cars will que up behind me,” Fitterer said.

“I have to either wrap around in front of the other retail sites, or I have to back onto the connecting road where Kingsley Place is trying to make a connection. Both of those are bad options, in my opinion. I don’t know what the right solution is, but how it is proposed is wrong.”

A rendering of a five-unit, 7,500 square-foot building being proposed at Port Royal Road near Kroger, which will include a 1,500-square-foot Subway restaurant and drive-thru.

Dakota Beasley, representing applicant GreenLID Design, said that while Subway drive-thrus have proven successful in other locations, Fitterer’s concerns were “valid” and that a redesign of the drive-thru will be considered.

“I do see what you are saying, and this is something I can get with the client on and see about moving,” Beasley said.

Fitterer added that the building’s design should also be taken under consideration, and that it should fit more closely with the Kroger or adjacent O’Reilly auto parts store.

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“It’s going to be a lot more visually appealing than bringing a third color palette out there,” Fitterer said. “I’d ask to revisit that color palette to match one of your two neighbors.”

Commissioner Jonathan Duda agreed, saying that the building materials are similar to the O’Reilly building, but that the color scheme should be reconsidered.

The planning commission will revisit the proposed multi-tenant site plan during its next regular meeting scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14.

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Multi-unit commercial building at Port Royal to include Subway