Midland Zoning Change Sought for Andrews Highway Site

A developer has proposed rezoning a former Wendy's property to allow for a new drive-thru restaurant.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Dining Out

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Citadel Development Group has requested a zoning change for a former restaurant site on Andrews Highway in Midland to accommodate a drive-thru. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Citadel Development Group has filed a zoning change request for the former Wendy's location on Andrews Highway. The developer aims to rezone the site from a Local Retail District to a Regional Retail District to permit a drive-thru lane.

Why it matters

The current zoning classification for the property prohibits drive-thru service. Approval of this request would allow the developer to move forward with plans to add this feature to the new restaurant.

The property is currently designated as a Local Retail District, which does not permit drive-thru lanes. The proposed Regional Retail District would clear the path for the requested site modifications.

The players

Citadel Development Group

This is the development firm responsible for submitting the zoning application for the Andrews Highway property.

Midland Planning and Zoning Commission

This local municipal body oversees land use and has provided a positive recommendation for the zoning change.

The details

The Midland Planning and Zoning Commission has already reviewed the proposal and recommended that the City Council approve the request. This administrative step is necessary before the developer can proceed with the planned addition of a drive-thru lane at the former Wendy's site.

Timeline

  1. September 22, 2026: Zoning request news reported.

Culture Shift

This rezoning effort highlights the ongoing evolution of commercial real estate to accommodate modern consumer expectations for drive-thru convenience. It reflects a shift away from traditional, high-density retail zoning toward more flexible usage models in the Midland area.

Nearby residents and regular commuters on Andrews Highway should expect potential construction activity if the City Council approves the request. The addition of a drive-thru lane could alter traffic flow patterns near the site during the development phase.

The takeaway

Zoning requests represent a critical administrative hurdle for commercial redevelopment projects involving major structural changes. Property owners must navigate these municipal processes to ensure their business models align with local land use regulations.

Further reading

Learn more about local food trends and restaurant development in Midland Dining Out.

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Should your local government update zoning rules to encourage new restaurant development in your area?