The former Carson's Ribs on Ridge Avenue is one step closer to becoming a Starbucks, with room for an additional business. View Full Caption DNAinfo/Ben Woodard; JLL Property

EDGEWATER — A drive-thru Starbucks and adjacent commercial space are a step closer to becoming a reality at the former Carson's Ribs location on Ridge Avenue after city officials granted developers a special- use permit for the site.

The 22,000-square-foot building at 5970 N. Ridge Ave. has been empty since the restaurant closed in 2005 and was bought that same year with the hope of redevelopment, though those plans fell through and the property went to auction.

It was bought by Crossroads Partners, who on Friday received approval from the city's Zoning Board of Appeals for a special-use permit for a drive-thru lane and setback variance that will be needed for the landscape of the new structure developers hope to build.

That building includes a Starbucks coffee shop, which would utilize the drive-thru, as well as an adjacent 2,400-square-foot storefront and a small parking lot with about 21 spaces.

JLL property management group is seeking a tenant for the additional retail space, which can be used by another restaurant, or by a non-food business, said Val Vance, a Crossroads representative.

If all goes as planned, the building would open in 2018, Vance said.

The vacant structure there now would be demolished.

Plans for 5970 N. Ridge Ave. [JLL]