Teahouse Planned for Los Rios District

A new teahouse is coming soon to the Los Rios Historic District.

The City Council this week approved plans to convert the Rodman house at 31731 Los Rios St. to a teahouse.

Proprietors Allan and Claudia Niccola of San Juan Capistrano plan to build an addition to the Rodman House for the restaurant and to renovate and move the historical “Buddy” Forster house, garage and pool cabana from its present site to the Los Rios Street property and live there.

In approving the plans for the restaurant, the council expressed concerns over the sale of alcohol, parking availability and preservation of the rural and family atmosphere of Los Rios Street.

“I see an opportunity to save the Buddy Forster house . . . I see an opportunity to enhance the Los Rios District,” Mayor David M. Swerdlin said. “But I am extremely concerned about alcohol being served in this district.”

To ease the council’s concerns, the Niccolas agreed to a two-drink maximum at their teahouse, which will only serve wine and champagne. Allan Niccola also said his business would encourage customers to walk into the district, parking across the tracks whenever possible.

The teahouse will have a seating capacity of 28 and will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Niccolas also will be allowed to hold 12 special events per year, which must be approved by the council and end by 8:30 p.m.

Allan Niccola said he had no problem with the restrictions: “Our plan is to live on the property. It’s a lifetime project. . . . It’s not just a business venture.”