Riverfront deck in Fremont gets makeover

By James Card

The Bridge Bar is rebuilding its deck that was originally constructed in 1992.

It was shifting and had been reinforced a few times over the years but owner Steve Van Lyssel decided it was time for a makeover. The seawall was replaced by locally owned Seawall Solutions.

The old deck has been removed and there is a layer of rock and gravel where the new deck will be. Concrete will be poured over that and the chase pipes.

The new deck will be one level and about the same elevation as the sidewalk and will have ramps down on each side. The bar will stay in its regular spot. The deck will mostly stay within its old footprint except for an expansion into the courtyard. The band stage will be at the beginning of the parking lot.

The new deck will hold about 40 tables. There will be an addition that will be like a counter where people can sit on barstools and look out over the Wolf River. New tables will be ordered: a mix of composite picnic tables and high-top bar tables.

“To close up the bar and protect it from weather we’re going to do some garage doors. Most of the time the garage doors will be open but in the winter we will be able to close that out. On rainy days we will be able to close the garage doors and keep the wind from coming in,” said Van Lyssel.

The roof will remain the same but some wind sail-type awnings will be added and lend the place a nautical vibe. The outdoor grilling area will be moved closer to the kitchen for better efficiency.

“The DNR have been pretty decent to deal with. They were fine with us filling rock and keeping it at that level and going up a little with the seawall,” said Van Lyssel.

All the docks will remain the same. Some of boardwalk was repaired. There are five piers and they can moor 14 to 18 boats depending on size.

Once finished, the deck will tie into the Fremont River Deck and people will be able to walk all the way down the waterfront to the Hotel Fremont. Van Lyssel’s goal is to have the project finished by April.