But the financing is not fully in place.

Tom Christeson provided an update on the project earlier this week to Warren City Council.

He said that the Wendleboe Hotel proposal was modified from 14 rooms to 20 rooms in order to make the project cash flow.

“The original project just didn’t work anymore,” he said.

Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton Redevelopment plans for this former restaurant on Liberty St. in Warren include plans for a new restaurant.

Christeson said there is not a timeline for the project at this stage.

Use of a portion of the former Masonic building on Liberty St. allows the expansion, which will also include two or three apartments.

“We’re still under talks with the SBA (Small Business Administration) and Northwest Bank on the balance of the financing,” he said. “We don’t have a commitment letter from either of them at this point.”

While he said he’s confident that a letter will come, he acknowledged that the “money is still a bit of an issue.”

Christeson’s firm, Dewboi Properties, owns several buildings along the western side of Liberty St. and he offered council positive updates on the future of those properties.

Restoration work to the former Brick House is “coming right along,” he said, telling council that he is in “final talks with a tenant in that building.”

He said a lease should be finalized by September.

“They’ll work with us as we do the final build out,” Christeson said.

The former site of Jack’s Tap House is currently under negotiations “with a restaurant moving into that location,” he added.

Should those agreements come to fruition, Christeson said that would bring two new restaurants to downtown.

“We’re obviously very interested in the progress you’re making,” Mayor David Wortman said, calling Liberty St. a “beautiful section of the city to return to vibrant days.

“We appreciate all the time and effort you’re putting to it.”