By: Deborah Johnson Wood
Louie Cantu wasn't exactly an international rock star when he played in Milkhouse, the popular local band. But his love of music and the Grand Rapids bar scene has put him on center stage as the new owner of Riggy's Bar at 608 Bridge Street NW.
After Cantu and his business partner, Dirk Roskam, bought the property last May, they applied for a liquor license transfer under the store's new proposed name, Louie's and the Rocket Lounge. As he waits for the state's seal of approval, Cantu has rehabbed the building from its new walnut floor to its new roof.
The 1,200-square-foot storefront now houses a second bar in the back of the room, a walk-in keg cooler in the basement, new televisions, and handicap-accessible restrooms with poured concrete lavatories and slate walls.
A Facade Improvement Grant administrated by Neighborhood Ventures for the West Grand Neighborhood Organization helped pay for new front windows, an arched entryway, new signage, and a ruby red neon clock. The signage and clock will be hung when the name change comes through. Future renovation plans include a serpentine bar, a kitchen, and a 1,200-square-foot back patio.
The investment approaches $1 million. Cantu, a lifelong west sider, is enthused about the changes he sees in the west side's business districts.
"There's all new loft apartments and the new YMCA. I lived next door for nine years and probably didn't put a thousand miles a year on my car because I walked everywhere. I want people to feel comfortable here."
Source: Louie Cantu, Riggy's Bar; Kimberly Van Dyk, Neighborhood Ventures
www.shopgr.org
Deborah Johnson Wood is the Development News Editor for Rapid Growth. She can be reached at [email protected].
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