The developers of “The Cowford Chophouse” know much work and investment are ahead to convert the historic Bostwick Building Downtown into a restaurant.
Restoring the parts of the building that have been hidden behind the jaguar murals for 20 years will be a challenge.
Jacques Klempf bought the building in July for $165,000 in a foreclosure auction and plans to run the new restaurant with Fraser Burns and Chad Munsey, his partners who opened Ovinte in St. Johns Town Center in 2012 and purchased Bistro Aix in San Marco in July.
The concept for the restaurant is to serve steaks and seafood, along with a raw bar and rooftop lounge.
But first, the building must be renovated according to historic preservation requirements. Klempf said Thursday the historic aspect of the building will prohibit making any major changes to the structure and will add to the cost of renovation.
“There are some big unknowns. The biggest is the windows,” Klempf said. “We think we can bring them up to code and energy requirements.”
Even before the windows are addressed, the structure must be stabilized. Klempf said the 110-year-old former bank building is “not very stable,” based on an engineering study.
Previous owners Karl and Val Bostwick contended an improperly installed storm drain near the southwest corner has caused the foundation to erode. Cracks can be seen along the base of the building along the Bay and Ocean streets facades. The Bostwicks sought to demolish the building before the city prevented it being torn down by declaring it a historic landmark.
“We don’t want to go in there pounding on walls until the building is stabilized,” Klempf said.
At this point, the partners “have no idea” how much money will have to be spent on the project before the first prime steak goes on the grill, he said.
They also realize the magnitude of the challenge they are facing. Klempf described the scope of the project as “an architectural feat.”
All that considered, the partners are convinced their concept is something the market wants and needs.
“It seems like every great city has an independent steakhouse and they’re usually downtown,” Klempf said.
Elkins Constructors will be the general contractor for the project.
Klempf said that even with “a lot of red tape in getting a historic landmark repurposed,” the restaurant could be open for business by December 2015.
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