Violet’s and Zen’s is gone, but the next tenant may try to retain the “zen.” The Flowery, a medical marijuana dispensary, is trying to open up shop in Wilton Manors.

The group went before the city’s Development Review Committee (DRC) on Aug. 5, marking the first significant step towards making it happen.

The DRC raised a couple of issues, the main one being its shared border with the police department/city hall. Zoning requires a certain amount of space and a fence, but the existing distance isn’t big enough to accommodate. A variance will likely need to be granted. The Flowery also needs to provide some more paperwork.

If the DRC signs off, the business will go before the city’s Planning & Zoning Board. People close to the process say The Flowery hopes to be heard at the October meeting, a somewhat speedy timeline. The city commission would then need to sign off.

The building itself will need substantial remodeling to accommodate security and health requirements of the state. Zoning fixes like the fence would be the problem of the building owner. However, the building itself is for sale.

The current owner also operated Violet’s & Zen’s, and has a long history of being a restaurateur in South Florida. While they are working with The Flowery, it appears they don’t want to be landlords at this location. The building is listed at $2.5 million.

The Flowery would be the first dispensary on Wilton Drive, but not for the city. Green Dragon operates at 1985 N. Andrews Ave.