HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Waffle House is bringing its scattered, smothered and covered 24-hour menu to Huntsville's Old Town neighborhood.

At its meeting Monday, the city Historic Preservation Commission OK'd the restaurant chain's application to demolish a defunct Sonic Drive-In at 408 Pratt Ave. to make way for a new Waffle House.

The commission also approved Waffle House's proposed building design, but several members raised concerns about the bright-yellow color scheme being a poor fit for an historic area.

"I'm not going to call it gaudy," said board member Peter Lowe, "but it's sort of overbearing."

Mark Russell , the Huntsville City Council representative to the preservation commission, urged Waffle House to be a "good neighbor" and tone down its signature yellow building design.

"I think that will help the neighborhood appreciate you and trust you," said Russell.

Waffle House representative Joe Hoffman said the company should not have to compromise its trademark design because it meets Old Town Historic District guidelines. Another official, Russ Holland, said Waffle Houses that stray too far from the chain's typical look tend to be less successful.

Old Town residents who spoke at Monday's meeting were concerned both about Waffle House's appearance and 24-hour business model.

"I like waffles, but I don't think I want to smell them all day, every day," said Rikki Westerfield, whose home would back up to the restaurant. "It also draws some late-night people we'd rather not have on the other side of our fence."

Lucy Brown, former president of the Old Town Historic District, called Waffle House's yellow-wrapped exterior "big and glaring."

"It might be historic for the Waffle House," she said, "but I think in our historic districts we would love to not see those signs up on the building."

Opened in 1990, the former Sonic Drive-In is not listed as a contributing structure to Old Town. But because of its location on the edge of the historic district, the building can be demolished only with the consent of the preservation commission.

Eustis Avenue resident Ken Hovanes spoke in support of Waffle House's application, saying the empty Sonic is an eyesore that needs to go.

"It just doesn't make sense to leave it in that state," said Hovanes.

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