A project that has been years in the making in Jefferson just had a giant step forward into becoming a reality.

The former Ace Hardware building at 121-123 North Chestnut Street in downtown Jefferson is owned by Pub Adventures LLC, with Amanda and Addi Bills. The Jefferson City Council approved two loan applications for work to be done not only to the facade but also to convert the main floor into a restaurant called, The Public House. 

The caveat before any work could be done to the main floor, a Community Development Block Grant was approved to renovate five of six upper story apartments, and those five had to meet the low to moderate income requirements through Region XII Council of Governments, which was the entity who was the administrator of the grant. Amanda said at the most recent City Council meeting that they would be at 100 percent occupancy. 

Now that the restaurant phase can begin, two applications were submitted and the Council approved those for a $150,000 forgivable loan and a $60,000 facade grant. City Administrator Scott Peterson is thrilled to know that work can start on the new restaurant.

“And they described this as an American-faire type of restaurant, steakhouse, burgers, this type of stuff, some place where you can go to get a nice drink. Really looking forward to adding another dining option and a different type of dining option in our community.”

The next step for the Council is to approve an economic development agreement for the forgivable loan and facade grant. The total estimated cost of the project is over $2.2 million and the anticipated timeline for completion is by the end of 2024 or the early part of 2025.