Photo Provided Construction is underway on the Tappan Marina restaurant, Dennison Yard. The 250-seat eatery that overlooks the marina is set to open in July.

NEW PHILADELPHIA — Construction is nearly complete on the $4.4 million Tappan Marina building renovation project that began in 2020.

Travelers on U.S. 250 have had a front row view of the construction progress, which features the development of a new 250-seat restaurant on the main floor of the marina, including seating for over 100 guests on a covered deck overlooking the lake.

Matt Donohoe and Shari Lewis, owners of the Dennison Yard in Dennison, Ohio, have been selected to operate the restaurant with an expected opening in July.

“We are very excited to provide a full-service restaurant and bar where boaters and visitors will enjoy a delicious meal, in a comfortable relaxing environment – with a spectacular view!” said Lewis. “We are also planning to offer carryout menu items that boaters can order and enjoy while relaxing on the water.”

The lower level of the marina will be home to Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District’s Tappan Marina operations. It will also feature pontoon and fishing boat rentals, boating supplies, gifts, bait and tackle, fuel sales, snacks and docking rentals. Despite construction, marina operations are currently open. Pontoon rentals, gas and seasonal docking are available for the 2021 season. Boat rental reservations are encouraged and can be made online at www.MWCD.org.

“The renovations to Tappan Marina have not only beautified the facility, but more importantly, allow us to better serve our guests,” said Ryan McCleaster, MWCD chief of Recreation. “Tappan Lake is very popular for boating and fishing and draws guests from Ohio and surrounding states. The new design will provide a premier destination that will offer an inviting gateway to the Tappan Lake region.”

The adjacent waterfront areas have also been redeveloped to make it easier and more accessible for the public to get to the fuel docks. Parking, signage and lighting improvements were constructed adjacent to the building, and construction on the remainder of parking lot improvements will continue into the fall. The site also features elements of green infrastructure, including stormwater management and vegetative filter strips to protect the water quality of Tappan Lake, and the use of geothermal energy to reduce utility costs.

A date will be announced for a ribbon cutting and community open house for the restaurant and marina operations in later this year.