Chattanooga, August 16, 2025
News Summary
The Chattanooga Zoning Panel has denied the request of Cupcake Kitchen to replace its existing bakery at 500 Broad St. Owner Helene Grzybowski sought to alter downtown zoning codes to expand her bakery with a new building, but the panel ruled her request did not comply with established downtown standards. Grzybowski plans to appeal the decision to the Chattanooga City Council while currently managing limited operations from a temporary lease across the street.
Chattanooga – The Chattanooga Zoning Panel has unanimously denied the request of Cupcake Kitchen to replace its existing bakery located at 500 Broad St. The owner, Helene Grzybowski, stated that her bakery has outgrown its current space, a one-story structure built in 1910, but the panel determined that her requests did not meet downtown code standards.
Grzybowski aimed to modify downtown zoning codes to facilitate her plans. She proposed constructing a new one-story building in place of the current bakery, seeking to reduce the minimum required building height from three stories to one. Additionally, her request included decreasing the ground-floor window coverage requirement from 70% to 7%, as well as reducing the building frontage along Fifth Street from 80% to 50%. With these changes, she planned to expand the bakery by approximately 700 square feet, resulting in a more visually appealing brick structure.
However, the nine-member zoning panel rejected all three requests, noting that they violated established downtown code principles adopted in 2016. Members acknowledged the challenges facing Cupcake Kitchen but indicated that a new structure constituted a different situation and did not qualify for hardship exemptions. Architect David Hudson pointed out that the proposal failed to align with the aims meant to preserve downtown’s aesthetic and functional character.
Grzybowski purchased the building and lot in 2021 and explained her concerns about the financial feasibility of constructing a new two- or three-story building. She fears that renting out upper floors could jeopardize her bakery’s operations. The panel’s denial means that Grzybowski and her architect can now appeal the decision to the Chattanooga City Council.
If approved, construction on the new bakery could potentially have begun as early as November. The existing building is noted to be deteriorating and unable to support any further renovations or additional weight. After assessing the condition of her current establishment, Grzybowski originally intended to expand the existing structure but found starting anew to be a simpler solution.
Currently, to manage storage issues, she added a shipping container to her existing premises and is dealing with aging bakery equipment. In light of the closure of the MoonPie General Store in May, Cupcake Kitchen now has a short-term lease in that space across the street. This adjustment has allowed the bakery to maintain limited operations while navigating the complexities of zoning regulations and building requirements.
With an eye towards the future, Grzybowski continues to consider her options as she works through the appeal process, aiming to address her bakery’s growing needs while adhering to the expectations set forth by the downtown zoning codes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the reason for the Zoning Panel’s denial of Cupcake Kitchen’s request?
The panel determined that the requests did not meet downtown code standards and that the proposed modifications violated established principles set in 2016.
What changes was Grzybowski proposing for Cupcake Kitchen?
Grzybowski requested to build a new one-story structure, decrease required ground-floor window coverage from 70% to 7%, and reduce the building’s frontage requirement along Fifth Street from 80% to 50%.
Can Grzybowski appeal the decision?
Yes, Grzybowski and her architect can appeal the zoning panel’s denial to the Chattanooga City Council.
What is the current status of Cupcake Kitchen?
Cupcake Kitchen is currently operating under a short-term lease at the MoonPie General Store space across the street due to the store’s closure in May.
Key Features of the Cupcake Kitchen Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Location | 500 Broad St., Chattanooga |
| Initial Establishment | 2011 |
| Building Size | 1,300 square feet |
| Initial Proposal | New one-story building, expand by 700 square feet |
| Panel’s Decision | Unanimously denied |
| Next Steps for Grzybowski | Can appeal to the Chattanooga City Council |
| Current Situation | Short-term lease at MoonPie General Store space |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Cupcake Kitchen’s Plans
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Stacker: Highest Rated Dessert Shops in Chattanooga
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee
- Local 3 News: Cupcake Kitchen’s New Machine
- Google News: Cupcake Kitchen Chattanooga
- Times Free Press: Downtown Chattanooga Hemp Shop
- Google Search: Chattanooga Hemp Shop
- Chattanooga Moms: Delicious Dessert Spots
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga Restaurant Inspections
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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