The Little Owl building in downtown Geneva is one step closer to reopening its doors as a new restaurant following recent approval by the Geneva Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) for proposed modifications.

Located on the corner of Route 31 and State Street, the building is part of the central Geneva Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Dating back to 1837, it’s housed everything from a grocery store to Geneva's first movie house.

The current proposed project builds on a 2023 HPC-approved restoration plan. The revised request includes changes to the window design on the front façade, relocation of the ADA-accessible ramp, and the addition of a new rear entrance to the basement to support food and beverage operations.

The structure benefits from historic preservation grant funds provided by the City of Geneva. Construction is expected to progress in phases, beginning with the ground floor and moving on to the upper floor once current tenants vacate by the end of this year.

The restaurant would be operated by KC Gulbro, who also owns and operates FoxFire (a block away on State Street) and is attached to a similar renovation project at the former Old Towne space (also on State Street).

If all goes according to plan, downtown diners may once again gather at this storied corner by the end of summer 2026.

Watch the commission discussion on YouTube beginning at 1:12:30. See the full plan beginning on page 49 of this document.

📖 Thanks for reading

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.

Not signed up yet? Subscribe here.