Earlier this month, it was reported that a commercial building in Arlington that houses two restaurants was being slated for demolition, but those plans have been shelved as alternatives are being considered for the space.
According to an article from Wicked Local, plans have been put on hold to tear down the structure on Mass. Ave. that has been home to Toraya and Thana Thai and replace it with a mixed-use development. Redevelopment Board Chair Andrew Bunnell said in a meeting last week that "After hearing the outcry over the proposed plans, taking things into consideration, (the property owner) has chosen to ask us for a continuance to both literally and figuratively go back to the drawing board," while hoping that "the applicant can come back with something more appropriate for that location." The post mentions that the board wishes to see more commercial space at the site, as the original plan included only 700 square feet of commercial space while the rest would be for apartment units.
Toraya actually closed on April 30 because it lost its lease, with the sushi spot now looking for a new location: Thana Thai's plans are to work out of a CommonWealth Kitchen space in Cambridge as a takeout business only.
[Earlier Articles]
Thana Thai Kitchen in Arlington Is Apparently Losing Its Home
Toraya Restaurant in Arlington Loses Lease, Closes; Hopes to Open in New Location
by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)
[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]
