Charles Village Pub to Hold Groundbreaking Friday

A popular Towson watering hole is taking its first steps towards a comeback.

The owners of Charles Village Pub, , will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday at 1:30 for the rebuilt restaurant on West Pennsylvania Avenue. Dignitaries, including County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, are scheduled to attend, along with many of the bar's employees and clientele.

"It's actually very exciting and I'm just really looking forward to getting started," said Rick Bielski, the pub's owner. "We've been very antsy in getting this project together."

At a recent design review panel hearing, Bielski showed off the designs for the new Charles Village Pub, which include a second floor patio and updated lighting and signage.

The old pub was frequented by both downtown Towson workers and the late-night student crowd, and . One former customer even left a memorial of flowers and plastic shot glasses.

Bielski expects the new Charles Village Pub to open in five to seven months, possibly by the end of the year.

"It'll be exciting to be part of the new Towson with all the stuff going on up there," he said.