The Collegian

Issue date: 3/4/10 Section: News

Media Credit: William Clayton

Media Credit: William Clayton

Media Credit: William Clayton

Media Credit: William Clayton

Demolition on the charred remains of the Chicago Water Grill and May's Furniture will conclude this Friday as Grill owner Wayne Babcock draws up blueprints for a bigger and better version of the restaurant.

Beginning Feb. 24, demolition at the scene of the Nov. 22 fire that destroyed both the restaurant and furniture store next door has ripped down the hollowed core of what used to be two historical buildings in downtown Jonesville.

Babcock said he hopes to begin rebuilding his restaurant in April and open the new one in October or November of this year.

"We have a blank slate," he said. "It's going to be a whole new design. It's going to be nice."

When the Grill first opened, Babcock had to work around the preexisting building's structure. Now, he can do whatever he wants with the space.

After months of filing paperwork and waiting for an answer from his insurance company, Babcock said that part of the process recently concluded.

"It all went very smoothly, it just took awhile," he said.

Visiting journalism fellow Mark Steyn said he has enjoyed eating at the Chicago Water Grill during previous visits.

"I'm going to miss it," he said. "I liked the building's architecture - it was congenial."

Doug May, co-owner of May's Furniture, said he is still waiting to hear back from his own insurance company before he can decide what to do about his business.

Rebuilding in the same location, relocating the business, renting the property or simply retiring are all options, he said.

"It's all based on what they pay out," he said.

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