The old Fairhope Hardware property got the green light to transform into a boarding house with both public and private restaurants and gathering spaces.

Fairhope City Council approved plans for the 26-room lodging project, located at 301 Fairhope Ave., which is where the iconic former building was before being demolished last fall, during their regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 26. Plans include a restaurant and medical spa on the first floor and a rooftop terrace for occupants and their guests, with documents indicating that the rooftop terrace will include a bar and dining area.

Following adjustments and requested changes, Fairhope Planning Commission previously recommended approval on Jan. 5 by a vote of 8-1, sending it to city council for final adoption.

There was some discussion about the rooftop terrace over concerns about enforcement of the city's zoning ordinances, with city officials citing occupancy and safety concerns. City council approved the proposal under the notion that the rooftop terrace would only be used by people staying at the boarding house and their guests.

When asked about parking, Mike Jeffries, lead project planner, cited the parking deck behind the lot, which he said has been underutilized and that the boarding house intends to direct guests to park there. Councilwoman Andrea Faust Booth said she spoke with local store owners who said the parking deck is always full at the bottom but never on the second floor.

Councilman Joshua Gammon said there will "one hundred percent" be people parking on the street overnight, which Councilman Jimmy Conyers said could create a situation that requires a separate action by city officials. Council will wait and see how the situation develops.