May 2, 2023 |
Photo – The Divide Restaurant and Lounge in Encampment – by Matt Copeland Bigfoot99
The Divide Restaurant and Lounge, in Encampment, is set to open after a lengthy remodel.
Duke Altschuler purchased The Divide about two years ago. After several months of operation, Altschuler closed the restaurant and bar for an extensive remodel. The Divide was scheduled to reopen in the fall of 2022. Unexpected issues with equipment suppliers, shady contractors, and the realities of a 111-year-old building delayed the opening by seven months.
Heidi Sifford is the operations manager for the restaurant. Sifford explained the difficulties she encountered during the remodel.
According to real estate records, the building was built in 1902. Sifford said the structure had to be brought up to modern construction standards. The operations manager said untangling the outdated electrical system contributed to the delayed opening.
During the remodel, an entirely new kitchen was built. Sifford said the contractor originally handling the project, stole money from his employers, including Altshuler. She said a call to the construction company showed that essential equipment wasn’t on the way.
On top of the outdated wiring, Sifford said the foundation of the century old building required extensive repairs. Workers had to reinforce the foundation from within the building, which Sifford said made the project more difficult.
The interior of the bar remains largely the same. Besides a fresh coat of paint, Sifford said the décor hasn’t changed much. The operations manager said the restaurant portion of the building has lost many decorations that did not fit with the owner’s taste.
The wooden dining area on the building’s northeastern side has been torn down. Sifford said the foundation of the patio was damaged during the remodel. A new concrete pad replaces the old wooden deck. Sifford said the outdoor space will be fully enclosed and available for use year-round.
Head Chef Paul Ashton Chandler has been working at The Divide since 2017. During the remodel, Chandler has been creating an entirely new menu. The head chef said he will offer meals people can’t find in other restaurants.
From the sauces to the pizza toppings, Chandler said everything will be made in-house. The chef said he wants to offer the best ingredients possible, but knows he must work within a budget.
The Divide’s grand reopening is set for Mother’s Day weekend. Sifford said while final inspections have yet to be done, the restaurant’s opening date depends on the installation of a specialized fire suppression system in the kitchen.
Sifford and Chandler offered Bigfoot99’s reporter a tour of the building’s basement. Sifford said during prohibition, bootleggers dug a system of tunnels beneath the town.
The tunnel entrance beneath The Divide is filled in and difficult to make out. Sifford said the entrance under the old E and H Building can still clearly be seen.
In its 111-year history, the building now housing The Divide, was used for many things. At one time, it was a mortuary. Bodies were lowered into the basement by a small door in the rear of the building and taken to an alcove where embalming took place.
Chandler said when the former owner of the building purchased it in 2017, old bottles of embalming chemicals were found in the basement. The mortuary entrance has since been filled in. However, the original wooden door remains as a testament to the structure’s former use.
If final inspections go well and Sifford can have the fire suppression system installed in time, The Divide will open May 13th.
