SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – What was going to be a nice, new addition to the northwest corner of Lake Tahoe Boulevard and Emerald Bay Road in South Lake Tahoe won’t be happening as planned. The owners have decided to halt construction, install vegetation, and abandon a project they were very excited about. They planned an eclectic cafe and community gathering spot that would offer more than coffee and a quick bite.
“Unfortunately, we have some bad news — we’ve decided not to move forward with Aster Station. In the end, we aren’t the right people to be able to push forward a project like this in our city right now,” said Kyle Aster on the project’s website.
“It’s not how we wanted this to end,” Kyle added. “We’ve spent years trying to make this project a reality. We really wanted this to be a fun thing to work on. But it became clear that path was going to require far more cooperation than the city has been willing to offer. At least, if we wanted to stay sane.”
The old Runnels Automotive that formerly occupied that corner had become an eyesore and a collection of vintage cars that never moved, and was a constant battle between the owner and the City over its appearance. There was even a Volkswagen coming out of the roof for many years. running. Many welcomed the sale of the property to the Aster family. Over the past few weeks, the property owners had already removed the old building and signage.
Here is a timeline of the permitting process to date from the Department of Development Services:
- August 22, 2024: The project was approved by the Planning Commission. The project (a modern boutique-style café with outdoor gathering spaces) was designed by the applicant to include landscaping improvements within the Caltrans right-of-way. Any improvements within the Caltrans right-of-way requires the approval and authorization of the State of California. As such, the Planning Commission permit approved on August 22, 2024, contained a condition of approval to obtain the approval of the City and Caltrans to encroach within the public right-of-way. In recent months, Caltrans, the City of South Lake Tahoe, and the applicant have been in discussions regarding the terms of the draft maintenance agreement (provided by Caltrans). In short, the maintenance agreement was subject to the terms and conditions of the State of California.
- March 21, 2025: The applicant submitted a building design revision. The revised permit was issued on April 18, 2025.
- April 24, 2025: The applicant submitted a Demolition Permit application. The Demolition Permit was issued on April 30, 2025
- On May 8, 2025: The applicant submitted a Grading Permit application. The Grading Permit was issued on May 23, 2025
- June 3: The City building official receives an email from the Asters: I wanted to let you know that I’ve decided not to move forward with the Aster Station project. I’ve realized I am not the right person to push forward a project like this in our city right now. I appreciate your help in getting the permits needed to get the site cleared. We plan to move forward with the banking process with TRPA and install permanent BMPs and make restoration efforts required.
“Prior to receiving the June 3, 2025, email, all work had been proceeding normally and consistent with the demolition and grading permits issued,” explained Zach Thomas, director of Development Services. “Staff worked diligently with the project applicant throughout the entire process, and it was unfortunate to hear that the applicant has chosen not to proceed with the project. As always, staff will continue to provide any necessary support moving forward to assist this applicant any way possible.”
“We still believe in the urgent need to improve South Lake Tahoe’s built infrastructure — to create a city representative of the wealth of the nature that surrounds us,” added Aster on the website. “We have hopes that others will have the mental fortitude to take on that mantle. And if you’re that person and want some help? Let us know. kyle@thoseasters.com.”