Artesano Nears Approval for Manayunk Expansion

The Manayunk civic group and Artesano Iron Works nearly forged an agreement on an expansion for the wrought iron show room/catering hall, with the final details potentially ironed out prior to a zoning hearing next week.

Located at 4446 Cresson St., Artesano Iron Works proposes to link its original property with 4457 Main St. to better accommodate the  catering component to its business. At its Nov. 7 meeting, the Manayunk Neighborhood Council voiced support for the project, but wanted precautions to avoid future headaches.

"The agreement needs to clearly state that this is not a restaurant and it's not a bar... We don't want Mad River at one end of the street and Mad Bridge at the other end," MNC member Hilary Langer said.

Artesano Iron Works forges functional wrought iron home goods and crafts high-end artwork and has been a Manayunk staple since 2000. Originally, the small studio was located on Gay Street and later expanded to its current space on Cresson Street.

In 2007, the business, with neighborhood support, debuted a banquet hall at its premises, but food was prepared off site. The new proposal joins the two properties, adds a roof deck and creates an in-house kitchen and liquor license. Offices will move to upper floors, and entrance will be gained via Green Lane.

About 250 people will populate events (once or twice a week), organizers said, but occupancy permits 350. Parking, usually a concern for the MNC, was a nonissue, because the Artesano Iron Works secured an agreement with the Green Lane parking lot.

Additionally, the SEPTA bridge buffers the roofdeck from Baker Street homes, limiting noise issues.

Where the MNC wants assurances, however, lies in preventing potential future property owners from creating a night club. If passed, the zoning classification would be a dance hall, potentially allowing daily, late-night partying.

Artesano Iron Works agreed to the following restrictions, which would apply to future tenants or property owners, as well:

• No restaurant open to the public
• No outside vendors
• No live music 
• Events must end at midnight, with people off site by 1 a.m.

Attorneys from both MNC and Manayunk Development Corporation, in addition to the Artesano Iron Works, are reviewing language and intend on reaching an agreement prior to the Nov. 20 ZBA hearing.