Photo by Vine by Veridien

By Dave Vieser – At their Feb. 9 meeting, the Cornelius Planning Board voted to allow Vine by Viridien to expand its outdoor furniture store on Highway 21 with a 2,660-square-foot showroom. The so-called variance – which is an exception to zoning rules – was needed because town interstate buffer rules limit how close structures can be to highways.

“The lot where Vine by Viridien, formerly the Firehouse Casual Living Store, is located has a triangular shape that, combined with the 50-foot interstate buffer and 25-foot front setback, leaves a narrow buildable area,” said Cornelius town planner Tuyen Truong. “The applicant sought relief from the 50-foot buffer requirement and plans a 10-foot landscape buffer instead.”

The board discussed whether the variance would allow signs on the rear of the property. Scott Wilson, the applicant’s architect, said signs on the interstate side were not planned. Town Planning Director Rox Burhans added that other ordinances would govern any future signage.

The board unanimously approved the variance but required that “no permanent or long-term outdoor storage, including sheds, shipping containers, storage boxes, or furniture exceeding 48 hours, shall be visible from the Interstate 77 right of way.” Truong said the rule ensures materials remain out of view due to the limited buffer.

Vine by Viridien opened in May 2025 on Statesville Road in the former used-luxury auto business, backing up to northbound I-77. The Cornelius store is a curated concept location where customers can mix and match collections to make their outdoor spaces uniquely their own, according to owner Grant Henegan.