DAYTON — The Nite Owl, a longtime Oregon Historic District night spot at 430 E. Fifth St., has closed its doors with its owners intending to overhaul the existing establishment and reopen under the name Blind Bob's.

An employee of Kent Development Group, which is undertaking the interior renovations, was on site Wednesday afternoon, May 14, to begin the initial tear down work for the club's new owners, Robert and Lisa Mendenhall of Mason.

The Mendenhalls were not available Wednesday afternoon for comment, though they said when purchasing the property in March that they hoped to have Blind Bob's open for business June 7.

Hand-printed posters on the club's windows stated: "Coming Soon, Blind Bob's (you'll see). beer.food.music."

A city construction permit issued May 5 described the work as: "Remodel existing drinking place and occupy 432 E. Fifth as same."

No information was available about the lineup of acts previously scheduled to perform at the Nite Owl during and following the renovation period.

The Mendenhalls said in March that they wanted to restore the building's kitchen and "create an American tavern." Live music would continue with a target audience of 25 and older, Robert Mendenhall was quoted as saying at the time.