Bud Gowan's reno may be just weeks away

A proposed major facelift for a long-time downtown London landmark could be under way in September.

John Fyfe-Millar, who owns the former Bud Gowan Antiques building on Clarence St., said Monday he hopes to submit plans to the city by months end to turn the building into a wine bar, retail space and two-storey apartment.

He put the cost of the project at about $1 million.

I would like to think that if everything is good well be starting on the building come September. What we will do is renovate the building from the top down, he said Monday.

If his plans are approved and hes able to begin construction, Fyfe-Millar said, his family will move into the completed apartment in the top two floors in the spring something theyve wanted to do since buying the building in 2012.

My wife wanted to live downtown and, given the choice, I really didnt want to live in a highrise, said Fyfe-Millar, who said the renovations will strike a balance between making the space their own and maintaining the buildings antique charm.

Bud Gowan Antiques building on Clarence St. (QMI Agency file photo)

From there, Fyfe-Millar said, hell complete renovations on the retail space, which has been rented already.

Fyfe-Millar said hes looking ahead to a fall 2015 opening date for a wine bar planned for the buildings first floor and basement. Were hoping that were going to be able to partner with somebody in that space to put something together, he said.

Fyfe-Millar said preserving the historic building is a big priority. His goal is to renovate the property without losing the charm of the century-old architecture.

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Bud Gowan's reno may be just weeks away