Work has begun on the renovation of the former Chez Nora in Mainstrasse Village which is set to become a new restaurant some time in the late summer.
The River City News stopped by on Wednesday as workers began to remove the iconic bar from the favorite Covington restaurant that closed in January 2014 and was auctioned last December where Jeff Wolnitzek, representing a small group of investors, claimed ownership.
Since then, details have been scant about what would happen next at what was once known as “Covington’s second City Hall”, where local politicians and civic leaders often gathered for drinks and meals.Â
The River City News has learned that the new restaurant will be known as Lisse, named for a city in the Netherlands where co-owner Hans Philippo is from. A phone callto Philippo’s office was not returned Wednesday.
Neighbors told The River City News that an August opening is likely for the new venture.
On Wednesday, the massive bar was removed and returned to the Wooden Nickel, the Cincinnati antiques store, whence it came three decades ago.Â
What will replace the bar on the first floor was not revealed. The former Chez Nora, which sits prominently at the corner of Sixth & Main Streets, has three fully functioning floors, including an outdoor rooftop deck overlooking the Cincinnati skyline.
-Staff report
Photos: Top photo by Fritz Kuhlman, additional photos by Bryan Burke, associate editor             Â