Now that the Genesee Gateway project is underway, it's kinda fun to look in through some of the windows and imagine what might be in store for the first floor spaces. A few days ago I peered into one of the commercial storefronts and noticed what looked to be an old dusty saloon. My curiosity got the best of me, so I began to send along some emails wondering if anyone knew what the place was in a former life. One of the responses that came back was that the former property owner had pulled the bar out of Bennigan's Restaurant in anticipation that a restaurateur would move in. Obviously that did not happen. Then, a short while ago, Doug Swift (CityView Properties partner) emailed me this:
"While it looks like it has been there forever, it actually was installed by the former owner Bill Genrich about 15 years ago. When he was trying to restore the block, he salvaged the bar from another location, trying to lure a restaurant operator to locate in the space. We are keeping it and are attempting to do the same. The space works great for a restaurant and the bar is a fantastic period piece. We have had a couple of interested parties but at this stage no one has committed."
That has got to be one of the largest bars in the city, rivaling the Old Pink in length. There is an exposed beam ceiling and a giant mirror against the brick wall behind the bar. Check out the rustic wood floors and the expansive room for seating, dancing, pool tables, etc. When I look at the layout, I can't help but picture a historic saloon with ceiling fans and Can-Can dancers. What do you think it should be converted into?
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"While it looks like it has been there forever, it actually was installed by the former owner Bill Genrich about 15 years ago. When he was trying to restore the block, he salvaged the bar from another location, trying to lure a restaurant operator to locate in the space. We are keeping it and are attempting to do the same. The space works great for a restaurant and the bar is a fantastic period piece. We have had a couple of interested parties but at this stage no one has committed."
That has got to be one of the largest bars in the city, rivaling the Old Pink in length. There is an exposed beam ceiling and a giant mirror against the brick wall behind the bar. Check out the rustic wood floors and the expansive room for seating, dancing, pool tables, etc. When I look at the layout, I can't help but picture a historic saloon with ceiling fans and Can-Can dancers. What do you think it should be converted into?
Anything with those ladies in it. Please. Thanks