ANN ARBOR, MI - A new Domino's Pizza store is planned on a triangle-shaped lot at the southeast corner of State and Packard streets in Ann Arbor.

Local franchise owner David Cesarini hopes to have the new store serving up pizza later this fall, and he expects it to cater to the large population of University of Michigan students living in the surrounding area.

"I'm really excited about this project, because we want to convert this building into what's called a Domino's Pizza theater store," said Cesarini, who has been a local franchise owner for 15 years and lives in Ann Arbor.

"My three other Domino's in Ann Arbor have that pizza theater design," he said. "It basically opens up the floor plan and the kitchen to our customers, and we basically put our team members, our employees, on stage of making great pizzas fast."

The city's Planning Commission voted 6-0 Tuesday night, Aug. 16, to recommend approval of the plans for the former Bell's Pizza property at 716 Packard St. subject to approval of variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Cesarini proposes adding a 153-square-foot cooler onto the north side of the existing 1,100-square-foot building.

The cooler is proposed to go up to the property line on Packard, so it requires ZBA approval of a variance from a 10-foot setback requirement.

The exterior and interior of the building will be upgraded as part of the project, estimated to cost $450,000.

Cesarini said he plans to invest $75,000 into upgrading the exterior of building alone, and the interior also will be modernized.

Cesarini said he's been searching for a few years for the right location to do this type of project. He said it will emphasize walk-in and carryout business in a high-traffic location, and on summer days the glass doors can be rolled up to invite customers inside for an "outstanding experience."

Access to the parking area will be off two existing curb cuts with one-way circulation entering off Packard and exiting onto State.

The State Street curb cut is proposed to be reduced to improve traffic circulation on site, said City Planner Chris Cheng.

Two off-street parking spaces are proposed.

Cheng said a variance from the ZBA is necessary to reduce the required parking from 11 spaces to two due to the shape of the lot.

Eight bicycle parking spaces are proposed near the building entrance and Cesarini indicates deliveries will be made primarily by bike with walk-up business emphasized, Cheng said in a staff report.

Stormwater detention is not required as the site is under the minimum requirement of 5,000 square feet.

Cesarini is requesting a variance from the required right-of-way landscaping width and screening of the two parking spaces.

Existing pavement located at the western tip of the site is to be converted into a landscape island to prevent future parking in that area and provide screening of the parking. An additional landscaping strip is proposed along State Street to provide screening. At the southern end of the site, shrubs are proposed with a variance from the width and tree requirement requested from the ZBA.

Commissioners present for the vote were Sabra Briere, Shannan Gibb-Randall, Sarah Mills, Alex Milshteyn, Scott Trudeau and Julie Weatherbee.

Commissioners Wendy Woods and Ken Clein were absent.

The commission did not take action on site plans for projects at 111 S. Main St. and 2857 Packard Road, which were withdrawn from the agenda.

Ryan Stanton covers the city beat for The Ann Arbor News. Reach him at ryanstanton@mlive.com.