Over the past couple of years, most of the attention paid to downtown Loveland has been focused on its revitalization—and for good reason. However, not every historic building needed to be rebuilt. Not every restaurant and shop is brand-new. In fact, the area itself dates back to the mid-1800s, and one of the town’s oldest buildings still houses a long-standing favorite: Paxton’s Grill.
But even beloved, family-friendly establishments can feel the need for a little facelift now and then to fit in among their shiny new peers. A tweak here, a nip there, and a mini-reno was completed earlier this year.
After decades of wear-and-tear, partner Ralph Dunnigan said the time had come for Paxton’s to upgrade their patio awning, bar and dining room—as well as replace the kitchen floor.
“We wanted to upgrade for a few reasons,” Ralph says. “The dining room needed brightening up, and we needed better storage.”
Over the course of 11 days in early January, Dunnigan closed Paxton’s and hired Commercial Construction Group to take care of their dining room renos, which included tearing off the old, dark paneling in the dining room and replacing it with a lighter, stained-and-sealed version. The walls were then repainted to freshen and further lighten things up.
They also hired general contractor Building Management Professionals to tear out the entire failing kitchen floor and replace it with new tile.
Although the tables, chairs and flooring in the dining room remained the same, the entire service area was rebuilt with new cabinets and floor tile. A wooden cabinet was built for their TV and stereo remotes, as well as shelves for their new, stemless wine glasses and additional beer glasses.
Extra storage space was built for bartender supplies, and the wine glass racks previously over the bar windows were removed with the idea that one day, they’ll install windows that can open.
Finally, Queen City Awning installed a whole new awning for all to enjoy out front on the patio.
The changes paid off, of course. “The atmosphere and business have improved (despite COVID) ... more people are coming to the area to shop, bike, canoe and dine,” Ralph says.
As for Paxton’s future? Ralph says they hope to continue to serve the community in the same way they have for the past 21 years—by staying consistent with their quality food and service, and to continue to hire quality people to help them achieve this goal as they grow.
Ralph also hopes downtown gets a parking garage to help with the parking issue, but overall is thankful to work in the city. “We appreciate the City of Loveland working with the various businesses and merchants—making this a great area to work and live.”
PaxtonsGrill.com | 126 W. Loveland Ave. | 513.583.1717
