Dave's Taverna Growing 'Up'

Author(s): DAN WRIGHT, Daily News-Record Date: August 22, 2006 Section: Business

HARRISONBURG - It will be great in the evening. That was Robin Farthing's comment on the new rooftop dining at Dave's Downtown Taverna.

Farthing, who works for the city school system, was having lunch with seven co-workers on the terrace, which provides a panorama of downtown.

"We need more places to eat outside," Farthing said. "It's wonderful, very relaxing."

The rooftop terrace, which sits atop the Harrisonburg Rockingham Free Clinic, can seat 145 people. It will be open whenever the restaurant is open, weather permitting, said owner David Miller.

It will also be available for private parties of up to 205 people, Miller said.

"We still have some finishing touches to do," Miller said. "We want to add some plants and drapes to soften the look, and we need a sound system."

Income For Free Clinic

From the beginning of negotiations to the finished terrace, the $200,000 project was about a year in the making, Miller said.

"We had to make some structural modifications, make the rooftop load-bearing," Miller said. "The goal was to make it intimate and not be overwhelmed by the size."

Because the terrace is not on Taverna property, Miller pays rent to the Free Clinic. Neither Miller nor the clinic would say how much. The clinic's rooftop abuts Dave's main roof.

When Miller made his proposal, the clinic's board of directors carefully studied the plan, said clinic Executive Director Elly Swecker.

"It's unique but it doesn't harm our operations," Swecker said. "We can help a downtown business and make some income that we don't have to earn otherwise."

An expansion of the Free Clinic, which will more than double its size, should be completed in October.

"That will expand our services, but it also increases our expenses," Swecker said. "And the city gets lots of requests for outdoor dining."

Some type of outdoor dining, possibly a courtyard area, was part of Miller's original plan.

The terrace helps even out the restaurant's seasonal ups and downs.

"About the time the students are leaving for the summer, we'll be opening the terrace," Miller said. "We hope to rock and roll year round."

Contact Dan Wright at 574-6293 or dwright@dnronline.com