Mexican restaurant will open next month in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Courtesy Albion Historic Preservation Commission – A Mexican restaurant called “El Gallo” will give a building that is currently painted all white a vastly different look. The site at 33 North Main St. also includes an awning. This design is by the LonoWood Art Company in Albion.

ALBION – A building that has sat mostly vacant for nearly two decades is expected to open next month as a Mexican restaurant.

Miguel Jimenez has been working almost every day since February to renovate 33 North Main St. He would like to open “ El Gallo” – Spanish for “The Rooster” – in time for Cinco de Mayo on May 5.

The building is currently painted white and is located next to a parking lot by the First Presbyterian Church.

Photo by Tom Rivers – Here is the building as it appeared at about 8:30 tonight. The site is prominent in the downtown historic district.

Jimenez received approval for the building’s paint, new sign and an awning during tonight’s Historic Preservation Commission meeting. Commission members praised him for turning a long-vacant structure into a productive use for the community.

“I’m delighted something will be done with the building,” Commission member told Jimenez during the meeting.

The downtown hasn’t had a new awning in many years.

“I love the idea of an awning,” said Commission member Ric Albright. “It will be great.”

The building will be painted in Roycroft Copper Red, Rookwood Amber and Rookwood Dark Green.

Village Code Enforcement Officer Ron Vendetti said he welcomed a new look in the downtown, which is named to the National Register of Historic Places.

“Different colors add character to the district,” Vendetti said.