Tiny bar proposed at Whitefish lodge

The owners of The Lodge at Whitefish Lake are asking for city approval to operate a bar for lodging guests at the lodge’s Viking Creek facilities on the east side of Wisconsin Avenue in Whitefish.

The Whitefish Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday to consider a conditional-use permit for a bar proposed in the pool and grill area that was constructed during hotel expansion about a year ago. The bar is intended for hotel guests and will not cater to the public, according the Averill Family Partnership that owns the lodge facilities.

It is proposed in an area of 338 square feet, with four seats at the bar, the Whitefish Planning Office staff report indicates. The planning staff has recommended approval of the permit, but stipulates the city’s Architectural Review Committee must be involved prior to any remodeling of the lodge exterior.

The Whitefish Planning Board meets at 6 p.m. Thursday at the interim City Hall, 1005 Baker Ave. in Whitefish.