The closely watched renovation and transformation of a historic Jacksonville building into the Cowford Chophouse is nearing completion.
Owner Jacques Klempf announced Thursday the new steakhouse will open October 26.
“On behalf of the entire Cowford Chophouse team, I’d like to thank the Jacksonville community for its tremendous support as we’ve worked to restore this building and prepare it for a new chapter in Downtown’s history,” Klempf said in an email to WJCT News.
The building at 101 E. Bay Street dates back to 1902 and was designed in the Renaissance Revival style.
The arched windows, exterior bricks, metal cornice and 300-year-old heart of pine lumber used throughout the restaurant were restored as part of an extensive two-year renovation, according to the Cowford Chophouse.
For years it was commonly referred to as “that Jaguars building” by passerbys because of the former mural in the windows that depicted a jaguar. The building was previously owned by the Bostwick family.
Our News4Jax partner reports the renovation cost more than $6 million. WJCT News reported in 2015 that A $500,000 grant and a $250,000 low-interest loan from the Downtown Investment Authority helped pay for the renovations.
The Cowford Chophouse’s menu will feature classic chophouse fare with coastal and Southern influences. The menu will be updated regularly to highlight seasonal ingredients and new recipes.
Design Cooperative (DCOOP) served as the lead architect and designer for the Cowford Chophouse. Danis Construction is the contractor.
The restaurant is now accepting reservations at CowfordChophouse.com and through OpenTable.
For more information on the Cowford Chophouse and the history of the Bostwick building see the links at the bottom of this story.
