City OKs Couch-Style Seating Outside The Corner

won city approval for an outdoor seating change that lets the nightspot provide a literally laid-back mood.

Two resort-style canopied loungers sets will replace three cafe tables within a few weeks, a move approved 6-0 by the Historic District Commission Wednesday night. The commission's review of the exterior change was needed since the bar is within the Shain Park Historic District.

“We want to offer different, comfortable seating by creating a lounge area where guests can have martinis and appetizers outside,” Corner manager Jad Tobias told the panel during a brief presentation. “This is perfect seating for our style of service, which doesn't involve full meals.”

Just in time for summer, the switch will bring somewhat of a poolside or beach club look to the fenced-in sidewalk strip on Merrill at Pierce. Each Baleares outdoor lounger set has an ottoman, three curved side seats and a central settee with a six-foot-wide canopy arching overhead. The total height of settee and extended canopy will be just over seven feet, with room underneath for two to four people.

“It's more us — a loungy, cool-looking place,” Tobias said after the meeting. “We're going for a Miami look in Birmingham, a way to bring the South Beach experience here.”

Two commissioners embraced the idea enthusiastically while looking at illustrations of the couch-style furniture with cocoa-colored cushions and sail-like canopies in a cream fabric. “They're young and hip and fun,” said Janet Lekas. Michael Willoughby, a residential architect, commented: “They're great. I've used them on projects and they're very comfortable. They're a blast.”

That's the type of reaction hotel managers expect when the units arrive from an Ohio furniture distributor. “We've had them on hold and I'll make a final order tomorrow,” Tobias said after the public hearing.

The dramatic additions will replace three of The Corner's nine metal tables and six of its 18 bistro chairs. An undetermined number of planters also will be installed, said Tobias, manager for nearly five years.

The two lounger sets will be available on a first-come basis until 11 or 11:30 p.m., and will be covered overnbight.

Planning Commission and Historic District Commission members originally approved the sidewalk serving area in August 2007 as part of the city's master plan for increasing street activity and appeal in the commercial core.