DENVER (KDVR) — The former Blake Street Tavern is setting a new opening date after discovering an estimated $1 million in repairs and new features to the popular sports bar.

What was known as the Blake Street Tavern, a well-known sports bar and prime spot on the Colorado Rockies' opening day, closed in 2023 after 20 years in business. While the building on 2301 Blake Street remains closed, a new plan is in the works — but it will take longer than expected.

The Tavern on Blake Street, which will be similar to the shuttered sports bar with a slightly different concept, announced its opening on the Rockies' home opener at the start of April. That is, until mechanical issues halted the grand opening. Now, the sports bar, which will also be a music venue, restaurant and club, is hoping to open by December.

Co-Owner Jeff Moerke said the brokers and building owners found several problems during an inspection. The plumbing and HVAC needed to be fixed, and the building just wasn't ready. But after about $1 million, give or take $100,000, in repairs and renovations, there will be some completely different features to the space.

What's new at the Tavern on Blake Street?

Moerke said parts of the building will be updated, like the plumbing and HVAC. He said that some of the units on the roof were part of the costly repair, some costing between $200,000 and $250,000.

However, some of the other costs are going toward completely new features.

The basement is going to be turned into a music venue. Moerke is hoping to use the space as a music hall that's like the Hard Rock Cafe, but modern style. He wants it to be like back in the day, where you could go in and Madonna would start singing. A place where "you never know who you're going to see."

The old tailgate room will be turned into an arcade, and Moerke said they're "going to build something outrageous" on the back deck. Meanwhile, about $500,000 of the updates include new tables, chairs, plates, stoves and more.

While there are some changes to the beloved sports bar, other parts, like the menu and some staff, will be similar. There will be chicken wings, burgers and green chili on the menu, with some additions like a New York strip steak.

Moerke said the staff, with anyone from the general managers to the bartenders, have said they want to come back as well. Moerke's wife and the co-owner of the tavern, Ashley, is one of them, as she used to work at the old tavern.

While the restaurant wasn't able to open this April, Moerke said they're eyeing to open before other big events, like New Year's and St. Patrick's Day, and they plan on being open starting in December.