Marina building project to displace restaurant

Nearly $1 million in renovations planned at the Treasure Island Marina building will bring a new look, but also kick the Tin Roof Restaurant out of its home for up to six months.

Craig Hughes has operated the restaurant in the city owned building along the Great Miami River for five years. Hes reviewing options for survival after meeting last week with city representatives to discuss the renovations planned as part of a riverfront development effort.

We wished we could get improvements done in the building. Be careful what you wish for, Hughes said with a laugh. When he contracted with the city to run the restaurant, he spoke of dreams of canoe rentals and other river activities from and near the building that in earlier times was a focal point of river races and other events.

Initially notified that the closing would be at least 90 days beginning Jan. 1, that period was extended in the verbal discussion. Patrick Titterington, city service and safety director, said the closing could be as long as six months, give or take.

The restaurant and its equipment will need to vacate the building during construction. Hughes said hes looking at options including obtaining a food trailer to take the business on the road while the Tin Roof is displaced.

We are farm people, we know how to survive, Hughes said. Well roll with it.

The project will include repairing the deteriorating building and making vacant space, such as a room with a fireplace, usable. The alternative to renovating, Titterington said, would be demolition, costing up to an estimated $650,000.

City Council voted this summer to support the $10 million riverfront development project updating and enhancing the marina building, Treasure Island Park and Hobart Arena. Of the project, $7.2 million would be for the arena with the balance for the marina and Treasure Island Park.

The $1 million for marina renovations, in a nearly $2 million re-appropriation ordinance council approved Sept. 3, is the only construction money approved for the project so far. The balance of the re-appropriated money dollars moved from the general fund to the capital improvement fund - was for completing design of the three projects. Council still would need to vote on borrowing money for the rest of the project.

Hughes said plans for a renovated building are exciting. It is going to be a beautiful showplace when done, he said.

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Marina building project to displace restaurant