Three siblings hope to open an Ethiopian coffee shop on the southwest corner of 42nd and Baltimore.

The trio, whose family is from Ethiopia, presented their plan to the Spruce Hill Community Association zoning committee on Monday. The proposal requires a special exception to put a coffee shop in the vacant storefront at 500 S. 42nd Street.

“Our goal is to really showcase our heritage,” said Tigist Hailu, who will open the shop along with her brothers. “One thing we feel is really missing in the neighborhood is the Ethiopian coffee ceremony.”

The proposal will go to the Zoning Board of Adjustment in April and, if approved, interior innovations will begin shortly after.

Neighbors and all interested individuals are invited to a monthly Spruce Hill Community Association’s Zoning Committee meeting, which will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at the Spruce Hill Center (257 S. 45th St).

A few zoning applications will be discussed, including two new business operations in the neighborhood:

• A new coffee shop is being proposed near 42nd and Baltimore, at 500 S. 42nd Street. This business operation requires a special exception for the proposed use as a “prepared food shop”.

• A Reach Climbing + Fitness operation is being proposed in a church building at 41st and Ludlow (see photo). The building is on the local historic register and the applicant will discuss how they are seeking to adapt the current structure to the intended use.

Residents are invited to attend the meeting and ask questions and offer comments.