News Photo by Julie Riddle

Workers fom Meridian Contracting Services in Alpena begin work to restore the facade of the old Dry Dock Bar in downtown Alpena on Tuesday. The building will be renovated, making use of a $622,000 Community Revitalization Improvement Program Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp., and will become the home of Red Brick Tap and Barrel Restaurant, with five apartments on the second floor. Faux wood and limestone will be cleared away and the original brick from the 1899 building restored. The building’s floor is too old to be saved, workers said, but the original Dry Dock bar will be kept intact. The owner hopes to open the restaurant by the end of 2019, according to workers.