When we have a dream, there is something special about having a partner with whom to share it. Doing this builds the excitement, adding possibilities that we may not have thought of on our own.
A shared vision gives us a firmer foundation from which to begin, as well as clarity and flexibility as the dream becomes a reality. That is the belief that the Superior Business Improvement District holds. It looks forward to working with stakeholders as they begin turning their dreams into realities.
That is, after all, the founding purpose for a business district – to work in tandem to support business and property owners within its borders.
Barb and Jerry Engelking had a dream of what they wanted their new business venture to be, and Kelly Peterson, SBID executive director, was excited to offer any assistance that SBID could give through its granting programs.
Forty-five years ago Barb and Jerry purchased the building that houses Port Town Tavern. The Port Town site has been a bar for many years under a variety of names. After the last bar owner left, that portion of the building sat vacant.
Barb Engelking said that she grew tired of looking at the space not being used. She wanted to do something to it – to bring it back to life. That was the inception of opening their own bar. They knew it would take a lot of work to bring the site up to code, but they were not afraid to take on the task.
They also knew that there was the possibility of uncovering surprises. Each surprise the Engelkings discovered did not deter them from working toward their final goal. They viewed each as more of a challenge that would require some creative problem solving. Work on the ceiling, leveling the floor, upgrading the bathrooms and reopening the side door required their own unique solutions. It took one solid year of work, and the results are amazing.
Barb mentioned that she wanted Port Town to maintain that special neighborhood bar atmosphere people had come to expect. She was also insistent that the historic elements not be changed. The back bar, rumored to be from a World’s Fair, would remain.
When they first bought the building, the back bar had been painted white. Barb stripped the entire bar to return it to its original beauty. As they began this new renovation, someone commented to Barb that she had altered its look. “No,” she said, “I just cleaned it. All that black from years of smoking came off with soap and water.”
The bar top still shows the wear of numerous customers’ usage through the years, a detail the Engelkings also wanted to retain. The light fixtures in the back bar are also original, their color brought out with some good cleaning as well.
One thing that was changed was the look of the bathrooms. Barb said they really needed work and some serious upgrades. Customers who might remember them from the past will be pleasantly surprised.
A large window was added to the front of the building, bringing in light and letting passersby check who might be in the bar. A small, raised area set off by railings was placed just below the new window. This is a spot where people can meet around a table or groups can perform.
But, as I mentioned before, there is something special about a partnership. That is where Kelly comes in.
“The past two years I have been able to spend time with the Engelkings as they began renovating the retail, apartments and Port Town Tavern. I had noticed some action happening around and inside the building, and finding the door open but no one ‘home,’ I left my card and some SBID materials.” Peterson continued. “I was delighted to meet Jeremy, Barb and Jerry soon after, having good and, sometimes, frank conversations as stakeholders.”
She went on to mention the weight of the investment the Engelkings are making in their building.
“They are building a community hot spot that will be enhanced by the city’s development of the lot between Port Town Tavern and the Princess Theater.”
Kelly also worked with the Engelkings to help them secure a $5,000 Stakeholder Grant for their project. Peterson became a frequent visitor, sharing her knowledge and her excitement.
To honor her commitment to their project, they have created a signature mocktail called “Kelly’s Kick.” That is the power of a partnership!
Port Town Tavern, located at 1318 Tower Ave., is open for business! Stopping in is like stepping back into the past. Enjoy the atmosphere and a good beverage! See what dreams can bring!
Gary Banker is a member of the Superior Business District Board of Directors.
