Fernando’s Place owners, Elizabeth “Ely” Garcia and husband, Fernando Anaya, proudly pose in front of their recently renovated building. The business will be closed from July 1-15. [Photo by Susan DeVilder]

Fans of the local Mexican restaurant in town, Fernando’s Place, might have noticed the changes. The exterior of the building has gone through a bit of a restoration.

Owners Fernando Anaya and his wife Elizabeth “Ely” Garcia have spruced up the exterior of their building with some improvements and have plans for a few more.

Anaya said that the building has brand new electrical. The front exterior has been painted and a stone facade added; the roof has been redone, and there is new signage on both the front and north side of the building. A new front door greets customers when they arrive.

“We are downtown and at that point, we want our customers to be safe,” Anaya said. “We also want the city to be happy with us and (this) helps the city look better.”

The brick building has also been tuck-pointed, something that was done for safety, he said. His current building dates back well over a hundred years. He has a photograph of his building from 1860. Anaya also admits he was disturbed by the recent building collapse in Davenport. Safety was a main concern.

“We wanted our customers to be safe,” he said. “We are going step by step because it takes money and time. As you know everything is expensive and business slow.”

An old photograph of the building occupied by Fernando’s Place. The building is located on the corner of North Tremont and East Third streets. [Submitted photo]

The renovation is still ongoing, he said. There is still some painting that needs to be done to the set of steps along the north side of the building.

“We are still working on this to make Fernando’s a decent and comfortable place for our appreciated-customers and friends,” he said.

On their business Facebook page, Anaya has announced to his followers that Fernando’s Place will be closed from July 1 through the 15.