Last month, we shared news that Peterson Companies, the proprietors of Rio Lakefront, had submitted an application proposing the addition of a floating pier for Guapo’s restaurant. At the recent Gaithersburg Planning Commission meeting, the plan received approval.
During a January Gaithersburg City Council session, Councilmembers Neil Harris, Lisa Henderson, and Robert Wu voted affirmatively, determining that the application had a minor effect and delegating the final decision to the planning commission. Conversely, Councilmembers Jim McNulty and Yamil Hernandez dissented. With a deadlock 3-3 vote, the matter progressed to the city’s planning commission. Previously, a dining pier for Copper Canyon Grill had been approved in September.
The proposed pier will be situated on the existing Washingtonian Lake, enhancing the dining experience with open-air seating spanning approximately 1,056 square feet. The design includes two small gangways connecting the floating pier to the existing boardwalk. Notably, the application does not entail any modifications to existing commercial structures.
Equipped with an operable roof and side panels, the floating pier is tailored to provide shade and warmth during the summer, fall, and spring seasons. Additional amenities such as heaters and fans will be installed for added comfort. Structural “spuds” will anchor the floating pier in place, while two gangways will accommodate fluctuations in the lake level during rainfall events, ensuring stability and accessibility.
Featured rendering courtesy of Guaopo’s
