Business & Tech
Underground Montecito Wine Bar Still on Hold
Jeff and Taryn Hildreth have been trying to build an underground wine bar and art gallery at their Sierra Madre home for nearly 13 years. Now, they're counter-suing the city.
Last year, Patch caught up with Jeff and Taryn Hildreth of East Montecito Ave., who have been trying for over a decade to expand their home, which they've dubbed "Sterling Oak," into an underground restaurant, wine bar and art gallery.
They first filed for a Conditional Use Permit in 1999... but construction was never completed. The Hildreths say they obtained the proper building permits and had their plans approved by the appropriate officials, but the city says they didn't. It's a he-said-she-said battle that's been going on for years.
In the middle of the battle is a giant 16-foot hole in the Hildreth's property (see our photos above), and a deck that hovers over it.
Find out what's happening in Sierra Madrefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The City filed a lawsuit against the Hildreths in 2010 and the L.A. County Superior Court issued an injunction on their construction in January 2011. Now, the Pasadena Star-News is reporting that the Hildreths filed a counter-suit this past December after they feared they could be forced out of their home. Their next court hearing is on April 18.
Find out what's happening in Sierra Madrefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Read the Star-News' full story or watch SGVNews video above for the latest developments.
