Long-term lease for former Falls Restaurant in the works

Saint John council has directed city staff to write up a long-term lease contract for the former Falls Restaurant.

The city had originally planned to demolish the landmark building, which sits perched above the Reversing Falls.

But a last-minute pitch by businessman Max Kotlowski has won council over.

"The general scope of it contemplates major renovations and major investment — many hundreds of thousands of dollars in investment," said Mayor Mel Norton.

"And an opening time that would see it open in time for the 2016 tourism season," he said.

Kotlowski had offered to buy the property for $1 million, with hopes of upgrading it and turning it into a world famous tourist attraction.

But on Tuesday, Kotlowski told CBC News the city didn't want to sell him the building, offering instead to lease it to him on a long-term basis.

His renovation plans for the iconic structure include new siding, carpet and toilets, as well as a thorough cleaning "top to bottom."

"The building needs to be saved," Kotlowski had said.

"Without the Reversing Falls facility, the attraction is going to die. If the Falls dies, it all dies."

The city cancelled its demolition contract for the former restaurant and tourist centre in August.

Council had previously allotted $90,000 for demolition of the building, which closed late last year.

At the time, city managers reported the building needed between $700,000 and $800,000 in repairs.

The city had a rebranding plan for the location, which would include a new lookout plaza, tidal clock and visitor information centre, but the mayor said the $36-million project would not happen in the near future.