Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Revival coming for historic building

New restaurant planned for former site of Iconoclast Books

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By JON DUVAL
Express Staff Writer

Meg and Erik Vorm, who have lived in the Wood River Valley for more than 20 years, purchased the former Iconoclast Books building on Thursday and are planning on opening a new restaurant, Cornerstone Bar and Grill, by December. The two-story brick building is around 125 years old and is one of the most distinctive properties in Ketchum, sitting on the corner of Main and Second streets. Photo by Willy Cook

One of Ketchum's most historic and distinctive buildings has new owners and another use to spring up within its 125-year-old brick walls.

Longtime valley residents Meg and Erik Vorm have purchased the former Iconoclast Books building, a two-story structure sitting on the northwest corner of Main and Second streets that has been vacant since the end of 2007.

The pair are planning on opening a restaurant, the Cornerstone Bar and Grill, sometime in December.

A plaque from the Ketchum-Sun Valley Historical Society states that the building was built in 1887 as the Lewis Lemon General Store. However, according to the Vorms, the National Register of Historic Places dates the building back to 1884.

Regardless of its exact age, there's no denying the role the building plays in helping retain Ketchum's Old West feel.

While some renovations will be made, the century-old bricks, made at a commercial kiln on Knob Hill, will remain, as will the wood floor.

"It's the floors and the walls that really tell the history of this building," Eric Vorm said.

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The Vorms are also ensuring that the building is preserved into the future by selling a transfer-of-development right to another developer, who was not named. By selling a TDR, the Vorms restrict any future development, such as adding a third floor, to their building, while the purchaser will be allowed to increase the allowable density of his or her own project. This will be the first TDR sale in Ketchum.

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As well as replacing the failing back wall, the Vorms will remove drywall on the second floor and basement to expose the original brick and stone, respectively. They will also remove the front wall on the second floor so the dining area will look over the ground floor of the restaurant.

A wine cellar and additional seating will go into the basement, which will be known as the "Grotto."

Erik Vorm, who will also be the restaurant's executive chef, said the menu would include buffalo, elk, ostrich, emu and fish, as well as vegetarian dishes.

Jon Duval: jduval@mtexpress.com