Streat-Eries pilot project to start with three dining establishments
by Dennis Rahm, LCN photos
If you’ve been in downtown Chelan this week, you may have noticed the construction of wood platforms along Woodin Avenue fronting Marcela’s, Stormy Mountain Brewing, and Layla’s. All three restaurants will soon be unveiling outdoor dining using what has been called Streat-Eries, a concept that will allow the restaurants to serve more customers during the current COVID-19 restrictions.
The City of Chelan recently allocated up to $8,000 to help pay for the 20 by 20-foot platforms that will feature 42-inch high railings. Each Streat-Ery will occupy two downtown parking spaces. The project is utilizing funding that the City has received from the government approved Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, otherwise known as the CARES program. CARES was implemented in response to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Erin McCardle, Director of the Historic Downtown Chelan Association, said the dining platforms will be built at a cost of $2,000 to $3,000 each and feature a modular design for easy setup and teardown. Volunteers from the Lake Chelan Rotary Club are assisting in the construction.
The plan is to utilize the Streat-Eries through the end of October. “We are excited to see this project happen and are hopeful that it will increase business”, said McCardle.
