Plans Stalled for Former 6 Degrees on Solano – Any Ideas?

A reader asked us what's going on with the empty space at 1403 Solano Ave. in Albany that was formerly occupied by the 6 Degrees on Solano restaurant.

We asked City Planner Anne Hersch, who said there's been no further word from the architect who presented a tentative plan for discussion only at the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on May 8 last year.

That plan – presented by architect Y. Min Chung – was to increase the size of the building on that lot to accommodate a market like Berkeley's Epicurious Garden on the ground floor and add five condos on a second floor. The concept was supported by the three members of the planning commission who took part in the discussion, though each had concerns about specific elements. (A copy of the staff report on the proposal is attached to this article.)

Since then, there's been no update on that plan or new proposals for the property brought to the city, Hersch said.

"At this time, I am not aware of any other plans being considered for that space," she said.

The 3,000-square-foot space has been empty since 2010 when 6 Degrees on Solano closed. A Patch article last June asking readers what they'd like to see there received suggestions for several uses, including a bakery, a diner and a nail salon.

We'd like to hear any new ideas on what you'd like to see there. Please tell us in the comments.