A popular eatery in Vicksburg is on its way to getting an upgrade.
Vicksburg Village Council members at a July meeting approved a zoning variance allowing Vickers’ Lakeside Tavern to proceed with a plan to enclose a portion of its deck. The project next goes before the Planning Commission for a site plan review.
Village Manager Jim Mallery said the variance sought by Vickers’ co-owners Jon and Jack Pearsall was required due to the restaurant’s proximity to Sunset Lake. According to village code, a zoning appeal is required for commercial developments or subsequent modifications if the business is within 50 feet from the high-water mark of any lake, pond, stream or river.
The project calls for enclosing roughly one-third of the outdoor patio on the west side of the restaurant. Its location is determined to be less than 10 feet from Sunset Lake’s high-water mark, Mallery said.
Council members ultimately approved the variance, as Mallery cited a number of factors taken into consideration.
“Compliance with the standard would unreasonably prevent the landowner from using the property for permitted use … the deck is located adjacent to the water body and was installed prior to the current (owner),” Mallery said. “The variance request would not enlarge the footprint of the existing deck structure further into the water.”
Mallery noted the village approving such a request is not unprecedented. The council last year endorsed a zoning variance related to a building upgrade sought by Apple Knockers. It’s also within 50 feet from the same cove as Vickers.
Council members, including Ryan Wagner, spoke highly of the proposed upgrade.
“It looks like a great addition to the property … you’re looking to add more value to our downtown and your own business,” he said.
Jon Pearsall in a July 26 interview provided more details about the improvement. The project involves extending the roofline about six additional feet starting at the north end and continuing south to meet a point where the roofline currently angles and extends outward.
The extension will allow for the installation of a windowed enclosure, allowing guests to enjoy the deck in a protected environment. He also plans to have three skylights installed in the extension over the bar area to brighten a darkened area of the patio.
“The goal is to have it in the summertime very much like it is right now, as open as possible with windows that can go up and doors that open,” Pearsall said. “It’ll be a great benefit in the winter, but also on the edges of the season where we get a beautiful, unexpected fall or spring day and we can open things right up.”
He said the enclosure will be permanent and have a more professional look compared to a temporary enclosure the restaurant previously used.
Following village protocol, Pearsall must bring the matter before members of the Vicksburg Planning Commission for a site plan review.
He said work will start in early October and be completed within a month. The patio area will likely be closed for a few weeks while construction takes place, Pearsall said. The band stage will remain outside of the closed-in area.
Pearsall and his father have owned Vickers since June 2018.
