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Although the doors aren’t officially opened, there is a lot going inside. Plans are being made.
The Dream
The two buildings at 119 and 125 S. Fulton will soon be under restoration.
The buildings have had problems with ceiling leaks (causing part of the roof to fall in), the ceiling tin has rusted through in parts, the façade is rotting and desperately needs to be replaced, restrooms need to be brought up to ADA standards, plumbing problems and the list goes on and on.
It is my hope and dream that these buildings will become a fully functioning part of the community again. The Dragonfly will be a place to enjoy a good home styled meal and relax.
Unfortunately, I have bigger dreams than my bank account, so I will be doing this in stages.
The First Stage will be home-baked pies, cakes, muffins, breads, cookies and more, offered daily beginning December 1.
Pies, cakes and muffins will be made daily. Specialty cakes and large orders must be ordered 24 hours in advance.100% of the profits will go to help with remodeling expenses.
The Second Stage will be closing off the kitchen from the original building. A new door will be installed going from the kitchen to the 125 S. Fulton Building (was used as a Party Room previously).
The kitchen has to undergo major changes as well. EVERYTHING will be taken out and PROFESSIONALLY cleaned and sanitized. The kitchen walls will be encased in commercially hygienic materials. As it stands now, the kitchen is TINY, with very little room to cook and prepare food.
One of the small rooms off the kitchen will be converted to a walk in refrigerator, freeing up cook and prep area. EVERYTHING will be by the book regarding codes and HEALTH INSPECTIONS.
I have recently completed one of many restaurant courses I plan to take to make The Dragonfly Café something we can all be proud of. I am also working on completing my PME Certificate (specialty cake decorating).
I met with Kathleen Goss, the health inspector. I asked her for a detailed list of what needed to be done. She delivered quite a lengthy list along with a helpful sketch of how to redesign the kitchen to help make it work better. I have asked the City Inspector to tell me what needs to be done to bring the buildings up to Code. I have received bids from three different contractors regarding the list of work needed. The least amount is well over $300,000.00!
After all the required changes have been made to Stage One we will open our doors for dining. Our target month is sometime in January. There will be a Lunch Buffet featuring Soups, Salads, Entrees, Vegetables and Desserts. The cost for the BUFFET will be $ 9.75. Additional items from the menu will be available as well as “Half Plates” and sandwiches.
THE GARDEN ROOM (The Third Stage)
The Garden Room known as the Cascade Room - will be kept as a peaceful, serene garden styled area. The current floor is painted maroon but will be re-painted to look like cobblestones, the walls will have scenic murals, a large pond complete with etched glass and water wall will be in the middle of the room adding to the ambience. Each and every board of the open timbered ceiling must be completely coated with sealer for health reasons as well as all the brick on the wall.
THE FRONT DINING ROOM (more of The Third Stage)
The Counter and cabinets will be taken out. The existing columns will be faux painted to look like marble.
The internal gutter (behind the front door) has to be totally redone as it pours in water when it rains. The plaster on the walls must be redone due to heavy water damage. The entire front façade will need to be replaced. The tin ceiling above will need to be replaced due to rusting through from leaks.
Anyone wishing to buy one of the original ceiling tiles as a souvenir may do so by contacting me @ 979-332-8118. Any monies received will be put into the renovation of buildings.
An era appropriate Front Door will replace the existing door.
The theme of The Dragonfly Cafe will be the early 1920’s – Art Deco Style.
The floor will be faux painted to look like black and white Marble tile.
The upper windows will have stained glass windows relative to the time period.
Wooden booths with 1910 reproduction material for the upholstery will line the walls.
Marble/Granite Tables will be in the center of the room. There will be generous spacing between tables for comfort and privacy.
Sound boards will be added for acoustics.
The color theme of the room will change.
Murals from the era will grace the walls. Lighting will be Tiffany Styled.
This room will offer comfort with a touch of elegance.
THE GATSBY ROOM (Party Room) 125 S Fulton
Although used during busier times, The Gatsby Room may be reserved for Bridal Showers, Rehearsal Dinners, Anniversary/Birthday Celebrations, Business Lunches, Christmas Parties, etc.
The Dragonfly will offer elaborately designed cakes for many of those special events as well. Pictures will be posted of available cakes soon of the website.
THE PATIO (stage four-final stage)
The last area to be completed will be The Patio. Behind the Special Occasion Room will be a hall that leads to the Outdoor Patio. The old broken concrete will be taken up, new concrete put in with an eight foot Decorative Metal Fence, Covered Patio and lighting, comfortable tables and chairs.
Additional Info
Feel free to contact me at 979-332-8118 (cell) or
the_dragonfly_2011@hotmail.com
Almost any cake, pie, muffin, cookie, bread you wish CAN be made. JUST ASK!!!
I welcome your questions and comments.
Thanks so much to all of you who have expressed a desire to see this dream come true!! ~Carolyn Wagner |
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