DOWNEY – The sight of earth-moving equipment and construction fences around Downey’s historic Rives Mansion has signaled that work has begun on a controversial coffee shop approved in 2019.

Officials with the city’s Planning Department confirmed that work on a 1,200 square foot coffee and juice bar structure has begun on the property.

While nothing is certain due to the unpredictability of how Covid-19 will affect project progress, Community Development Director Aldo Schindler estimated that work could be finished within 18 months.

Construction of the coffee / juice bar is by and large a catch 22 for the city, who said they wished to see the property restored to its former glory yet has clearly stated that it is not in the financial position to do so.

The coffee shop – which will sit slightly offset to the mansion’s iconic face – was seen as a way for owners Arturo Concha and Erika De La Teja to offset the costs of the property’s purchase and subsequent restoration.

Downey planning commissioners approved plans for the coffee shop in 2019.

The long worse-for-wear mansion was listed for sale as of last January, however managed to stay out of its now somewhat notorious spotlight for the rest of 2020.