Architect Mark Klingerman submitted designs for a remodel of Whiskey Jacques’, a popular watering hole on Main Street in Ketchum that burned down last month. Owner Karen Martin said the plans are very similar to the bar that she owned for the past 30 years, as evidenced by the exterior design and first-floor plan. Courtesy graphic
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Whiskey Jacques' owner Karen Martin has drawn up plans to rebuild after her bar was destroyed by fire last month, but the future of one of Ketchum's favorite drinking and dancing establishments is still not certain.
Martin said architect Mark Klingerman submitted drawings for a new building on Friday, but that construction would depend on design review approval from the Ketchum Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as on the final figure she receives from her insurance company.
Martin will appear before the P&Z on Monday, Oct. 27, at noon for design review of the remodel.
If everything goes well, she will bring a similar reincarnation of her 30-year-old bar back to Ketchum. The exterior of the building would once again be clad in horizontal wood panels, helping maintain the Western characteristic of the town's Main Street.
Klingerman's floor plans for the ground level show a marked resemblance to the building before it was reduced to rubble, with a large central dance floor flanked by a bar on each side and an area for pool and video games toward the back.
As before, the kitchen would be on the southwest side of the first floor and the bathrooms in the northwest corner.
The biggest change would come with the addition of a second floor, which would include a deck overlooking Main Street, as well as another bar and a room that could be used for private parties.
Martin said other improvements would be in the sound system, game room and bathrooms.
However, the wait for city approval and more detailed information on costs could delay construction until spring.
"If we build in April it will be faster and less expensive," Martin said. "I'm just trying to do the best we can."
Martin said that according to her engineer, if construction commences in April, it could be completed in as little as four months.
Even if the commission approves the design review, Martin said development impact fees charged by the city, of up to $75,000, could impact her plans. Ketchum Community and Economic Development Director Lisa Horowitz said she did not know how much the fees would be, but said the City Council has the authority to reduce them.
Martin is hoping that the favored status her establishment had with many residents will translate into vocal support when the city looks at the design and the impact fees.
"I just want to provide a cool environment for people to listen to music and watch sports," she said.
