CHESTERTON, Ind. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A controversial six-year restoration of the historic pavilion at the Indiana Dunes State Park is complete and a restaurant and rooftop bar are set to be open in the coming weeks.
The $5 million restoration of the pavilion caps off years of controversy over what some saw as politically-connected developers being handed public land and over liquor sales in a park where alcohol isn’t allowed.
Indiana DNR Director Dan Bortner said during a ribbon-cutting ceremony they wanted to restore the building to its former use.
“The construction of the historic Indiana Dunes State Park Pavilion began in 1929. It’s an iconic representation of the park’s early history and use. It once contained a fine dining restaurant and provided beach-goers with restrooms and a snack shop where they could cool off after a day spent hiking and enjoying the beach," he said.
Tom Collins, of Pavilion Partners, the developers, noted the opposition and the time this project has taken.
"Welcome to day 2,155 of the Pavillion Experience," he said.
The brick and stone building had a complete overhaul. It was run-down when the project began in 2015. Arched windows had been bricked-up and the structure was being used for storage.
"From a design element standpoint, you'll see wood elements that reflect the dunes and nature, mixed in with art deco and some of the original designs of the building," said Tom Collins, of Pavilion Partners.
There's also a beach store, an ice cream shop, and a banquet hall.
A restaurant that seats 175 and a rooftop bar that seats 125 are opening in the coming weeks.
Pavilion Partners was granted a 35-year lease at a cost of $18,000 per year and will share a portion of the proceeds.
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