Beloved Old Town chili-spot Hard Times Cafe at 1404 King Street could be temporarily closing to undergo extensive interior renovations.
Hard Times Cafe filed an application for partial demolition and encapsulation at the restaurant. That permit is scheduled for review at the Board of Architectural Review meeting on Wednesday, April 17.
A manager at Hard Times told ALXnow that the restaurant will be temporarily closed as it undergoes an internal overhaul, though the exact timing of that short-term closure will depend on when or if the permit is approved.
The work would make the building more accessible, with a new accessible restroom and elevator connecting the building’s floors — though the manager said the elevator will also be handy for getting food between floors.
The renovations will include refinishing the walls, flooring, and the overall look of the restaurant. The manager said the second-floor bar will also be redone as part of the renovations.
The proposed scope of work includes:
- Two-story handicapped access elevator
- Addition at the west side of the second floor to provide a new accessible restroom, office and service station
- Second emergency exit from the second floor
- Construction of new roof deck with railing
- Interior renovations to improve accessibility and replace or upgrade interior finishes, lighting and more.
Photo via Hard Times Cafe/Facebook
H/t to David Robbins