The view from the GunFlint Tavern’s rooftop enclosure is going to be spectacular. A new bar and stage are being built along with an apartment for GunFlint Tavern owners Jeff and Susan Gecas.
“I feel a change comin’ on” – Bob Dylan
GunFlint Tavern is in the midst of change, and the Tavern’s owners Jeff and Susan Gecas love for music is driving much of it.
The Raven’s Nest, the rocking rooftop deck at GunFlint Tavern is in the process of being enclosed, with big windows facing Lake Superior installed to keep the great view.
“We have free music 250 nights of the year,” said Susan.
But if that music was being played on the rooftop, bad weather often drove musicians downstairs.
“That could really be a hassle because we would have to wait until the restaurant cleared out so there was room for the band,” Jeff said. “Then the band would have to set up so they could play. We won’t have to do that any more.”
Musicians also won’t have to haul their gear up and down the stairs after every performance, said Jeff. He said bands have already said that will be a welcome relief.
A carpentry crew of six or seven workers have spent the last few cold months transforming the Raven’s Nest, the rooftop bar and music venue, into useable year-round space. Tavern owners Jeff and Susan Gecas say the project should be completed mid-May, just in time for a busy summer.
While much of the action will take place inside, there will also be some rooftop space for outdoor tables available for patrons to enjoy on those fleeting hot summer days and warm nights.
The upstairs bar will hold 50 people with a stage for musicians in the back. Designed by local architect Larry Boen, the upstairs is a mixture of “industrial and old school,” said Jeff. Polished wood beams and corrugated metal on the outside and inside ceilings give it a fresh, modern look.
Kerry Boen (Larry’s brother) and his crew of hard workers from Finland, Minnesota are handling the carpentry work, but many local contractors have lent a hand on the project.
“Let’s see, we had Granite Electric here and Cavallin Plumbing,” Jeff said. “We bought materials from Superior Lumber. Jim Miller put in the lighting for the stage and bar. Donny Eliasen did the wood beams, Richard Olson was the preliminary planner for the project, Tony Rau made the decorative fused glass, and I’m sure I’m forgetting some people, but we really did try to hire as much local help as we could.”
Located at 111 Wisconsin Street in the heart of Grand Marais across the street from Harbor Park on Lake Superior, the ‘Tavern,” as it is referred to by locals, is a family-friendly bar and grill featuring organic food, homemade soups, fine wine and craft beer from its own brew pub overseen by Jeff’s nephew, Paul Gecas.
Included in the re-design is a beautiful upstairs apartment for Susan and Jeff and visiting family. It also has an office for Jeff.
“We’re getting older. We’ve been here almost 20 years, always trying to improve things. Doing a little bit every year to make it better for our customers. Now, if we’re tired and don’t want to drive home at night, we can stay here,” Jeff said.
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