Local bar Echo Tap proposed final changes to their planned renovations at the Regent neighborhood meeting Monday. The plans were approved earlier.
Pat Rynes owns the bar, which is located on the corner of West Main Street and South Bedford Street, said he will expand the bar and kitchen, and add an outdoor patio area.
Employee Victoria Seward accompanied Rynes and spoke about her desire to see the establishment change its current image.
""We're trying to take the Echo in a new direction,"" Seward said. ""We're trying to make it a tavern, where people can bring their families to eat, more traditional.""
After a series of burglaries over the last few years, Rynes said he was eager to move forward with new renovations. Rynes received two $10,000 grants from the Urban Design Commission to include two façades that fit with the surrounding buildings.
""I'm excited about it, it'll be something to see, and will blend in with the nice construction,"" Rynes said. ""I just can't wait to start.""
On March 7, Rynes will appear before the Plan Commission to apply for a conditional use permit, which would allow the patio to be used for food and beverage service. He will also have to reapply to the Alcohol Licensing Review Committee for an alcohol license.
In response to questions about noise disruption for surrounding community members Seward said they would take neighborhood concerns into account.
""The neighbors want us to be proactive about noise,"" she said. ""The last thing Echo wants is to have late night patrons outside drinking, it's not the direction Echo wants to take.""
Rynes said he plans to begin the renovations after basketball season ends in April and hopes to finish ""by the first football game."" The bar will remain open through the construction but will close sporadically.
