But what is a Prohibition-era building without a speakeasy? Residents can expect that, as well. The basement is complete with a hidden entrance.
The concept, City Post, aims to pay tribute to the site's roots as a post office, owner Kevin Cummins said.
“In terms of its character, it’s always been a community and gathering space,” he said. “It really needs to maintain that identity, so that’s part of what we’ve managed to do. It’s also just a beautiful building. ... We really wanted it to be a destination, a place that would anchor a lot of the other businesses on that side of the Square.”
The ground floor will house the steakhouse, chophouse, oyster bar, butcher counter and small market, Cummins said. The second floor may be rented for private events or used as overflow for the restaurant. It has its own bar and preparation area as well as a stage and dance floor.
The basement—a rarity for the area—is an especially fun component, Cummins said.
“It had to be a speakeasy,” he said with a laugh. “It’s going to feel really vintage. It will be a lot of fun.”
Patrons can head down to the speakeasy before or after dinner, or they can make it their single stop of the night. The space will have its own entrance.
The butcher shop, market, oyster bar and event space are expected to open together by December, Cummins said, adding that the business is taking rental bookings now. The steakhouse is expected to open in the first quarter of next year, as certain elements, such as the wood-fired grill, are still being worked out. The speakeasy will open after the steakhouse.
Even the 98 historic post office boxes in the lobby are being revived. Each represents a membership that can be purchased annually for $1,000. About a third have already been spoken for, according to Cummins.
“With a membership at the City Post, you come in and check your post office box, and you have something fun in there waiting for you, such as a bottle of wine, a bottle of whiskey, a coupon for a free dinner—something like that,” he said.
There will also be special events for members, such as wine tastings, meeting the chef, meeting the butcher, learning more about the local ranchers and more. Those who join before City Post opens will get founders’ memberships, which are set to include pre-opening meals and input on the menus and wine lists.
