Long-term lease for former Falls Restaurant in the works

Saint John council has directed city staff to write up a long-term lease contract for the former Falls Restaurant.

The city had originally planned to demolish the landmark building, which sitsperched above the Reversing Falls.

But a last-minute pitch by businessman Max Kotlowskihaswon councilover.

"The general scope of it contemplates major renovations and major investmentmany hundreds of thousands of dollars in investment," saidMayor Mel Norton.

"And an opening time that would see it open in time for the 2016 tourism season," he said.

Kotlowskihad offered to buy the property for $1 million, with hopes ofupgrading it and turning it intoa world famous tourist attraction.

But on Tuesday, Kotlowski told CBC News the city didn't want to sell him the building, offering instead to lease it to himon a long-term basis.

His renovationplans for the iconic structureincludenew siding, carpet and toilets, as wellas athorough cleaning "top to bottom."

"The building needs to be saved," Kotlowski had said.

"Without the Reversing Falls facility, the attraction is going to die. If the Falls dies, it all dies."

The city cancelled its demolition contract for the former restaurant and tourist centrein August.

Council had previously allotted $90,000 for demolition of the building, which closed late last year.

At the time, city managers reported the building needed between $700,000 and $800,000in repairs.

The city had a rebranding plan for the location, which would include a newlookout plaza, tidal clock and visitor information centre, but the mayor said the $36-million project would not happen in the near future.