Property owner Carlos Chavez took the first major step to building back the first new structure in Times Square. The LPA unanimously approved Chavez’ 3-story structure which will include a mobile ice cream unit on the ground floor and 2 floors of residential that the family will use on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Residential is allowed in the downtown district and Chavez says the rooms will not be rental units. “I plan to watch the sunsets.”
The former Kilwins Ice Cream location at 50 Old San Carlos is about .03 acres next to Bella Mozzarella, which the Chavez family also owns. The Kilwins building was totally destroyed by Hurricane Ian. The Bella Mozzarella building survived and after extensive repairs was able to reopen.
If the Town Council approves the new building, it will be called Meli’s Ice Cream. Chavez is ready to build now, however, he needs to now go through two Town Council public hearings followed by 6-8 months of permitting. He hopes to break ground in August of 2026, which, realistically puts any opening of the business in early 2027 if everything goes according to plan.
This is the first new project to come before the LPA for consideration in the three years since Ian and it was the first Development Agreement used by a small mom-and-pop type business which was the original intent of the D.A.
The entire property is only 1,119 square feet.