How's this going to go down, anyway?
I'm not a rich man, but I'd like to think I'm a clever one. In that vein, I'll be doing most of the work myself. That means both manpower and money will be limiting factors on the speed at which things get done. So far, I've been pretty lucky with my ability to learn how to do what needs to be done. I'm optimistic that this plan is within reach. While we're talking years, not months here, the whole idea seems much more plausible, and much less like a pipe dream than it did even a few months ago. I should provide for some gossip fodder around town as incremental changes take place to the building both inside and out. That said, here's the plan:
Design Principles
The pub is full of antique fixtures, building materials, old growth lumber, and similar treasures. By salvaging as much of these treasures from the building as repairs take place, I can gain some sweat equity as well as preserve as much of the historical nature of the building as possible.
Much of the equipment required to run a bar and restaurant came with the building, but most of it was in some state of disrepair. That, along with existintg signage, fixtures, and the like will significantly reduce the startup cost for a restaurant. Do nothing that would significantly increase the cost to start the pub. (For example, the exterior signage is "peel off" revealing the former pub sign underneath.)
Decrease overhead with energy upgrades, leverage on-site computing as an additional heat source during heating days, offload computing to remote locations during cooling days.
Install modern data infrastructure throughout the building.
By following these principles, I believe I can achieve the following 4 stage revitalization of the property.
Stage 1
Make Apartment Livable
Start Retail Location for Bytes Technical Services
Get Commercial Kitchen Operable
Zoned Heating/Cooling
Stage 2
Renovate Apartment Kitchen/Bath
Set up bar as music studio and additional living space. (During apartment remodel)
Stage 3
Get Bar/Restaurant to Code
Open Bar / Kitchen Space (Own/Operate/Lease/)
Studio moved to Basement
Stage 4
Move Bytes Retail location to basement or other downtown location.
Old Bytes Room -> Private Dining Area
Canton Pub returned to former glory, all my living/working is confined to the apartment and basement.