Italian and French-inspired cuisine will take centre stage when a new business opens inside one of Penticton's most historic properties.

Plans to have a restaurant and bakery fill Winnipeg Street's Riordan House cleared the public hearing hurdle at city council's meeting on Dec. 3.

Giulio Miceli, owner of the proposed business, says the restaurant's kitchen will be built keeping "the beauty and heritage" of the home on top of mind.

"The integrity of the home is something I consider of value," said Miceli. "That's why we're going to maintain and cultivate it."

Council, by a vote of 5-0, gave third reading to a bylaw that would add multiple site-specific provisions to the C1-Commercial Transition zoning, including a minimum of four parking spots to be provided at the property, located at 689 Winnipeg Street. Amendments to the current zoning were required to provide washrooms, modern kitchens and seating.

Miceli, who also owns Vancouver-based restaurant La Terrazzain, says the Penticton business will be home to Italian and French cuisine. The bakery will be inside an accessory building behind the home and feature pastries from both European nations, he added.

"I look forward to catering to the community," Miceli said, adding that the bakery will be a "daytime entity."

The home itself, built in 1921, can be found at the intersection of Winnipeg Street and Eckhardt Avenue and is rumoured to have been a hiding spot for alcohol during Prohibition.

Named for its association with the prominent hotel owner and "reputed bootlegger" David Riordan, the home was listed for sale in 2023 at a price tag of nearly $1.3 million.

The building is included on Penticton's heritage registry for "its representation of a prosperous period" in the city's history, according to a staff report.

The property also alternated between being a teahouse and restaurant in the 1980s, before becoming a bed and breakfast in the 1990s.

Residents who participated during this week's public hearing generally spoke in favour of the new plans but also shared concerns over parking and traffic congestion on Winnipeg Street. One speaker also claimed the design of the proposed additions wouldn't align with the heritage aesthetics of the building.

"I have a great appreciation for what the Riordan House represents," replied Chris Allen, project architect. "Our approach was to maintain the heritage elements of the house so that there's no areas being demolished and all original features are retained."

The final design of what the restaurant will look like is still being finalized, Allen added.

City council will make the decision on whether to officially adopt the amended zoning bylaw at a future date.