Local builder, Brandon Bartow has purchased the former Huchthausen Hardware store building at 939 South 8th Street, and has designs to open a bar/restaurant later this year.
The historic brick structure was built in 1894, and most recently housed Studio 8 and Rockin’ Blues House, before becoming vacant in recent years. The owner of Bartow Builders says “Most of the history of this building was spent as a hardware store. And then over the years…four or five businesses operated as a bar or tavern.” Bartow tells SeehaferNews.com he’s had his eye on that location for many years. “When I moved to town 26 years ago, the thing that I noticed about downtown Manitowoc was this building,” he explained. “I love this building. I thought there were some things that were added to it throughout the years that maybe made it not look as appealing as it had when it was originally built.”
Bartow explained that as his business became established and his family invested in this community it was time to give-back and do some great things to a building, of which he truly appreciates the architecture. His plans include turning the first floor into a bar and restaurant named “Brix”. That floor will have a capacity of 299, while plans call for a lounge on the 2nd floor with softer music, and two apartments.
Bartow says the investment will “definitely be north of half a million dollars”, as he takes the building back to its’ original state. ”We are putting storefront windows in, so that will be a window more or less from floor to ceiling. We are opening up the space back to it’s original use. All of the entire first floor will be on the same level.”
Phase-1 of the massive remodeling, now underway, includes an elevator, he’s working with the city on TIF financing, and will utilize a community development grant for restoration to the façade of the building. Bartow is hopeful of opening the Brix bar as early as Labor Day weekend, while envisioning the restaurant featuring 18 to 22 gourmet burgers and flatbread options, starting up in late November.
