A building that was once seen as an eyesore has been transformed and will open next week as Café Corazón, according to Alderman Tony Zielinski.

Café Corazón is a popular Mexican restaurant in Riverwest.

Café Corazón’s owners, George and Wendy Mireles, have tentatively scheduled the restaurant’s grand opening for 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 11, Alderman Zielinski said.

The renovation and transformation of the location (2394 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) – known as the old Johnnie’s Club Carnival in Bay View – is “astounding,” Alderman Zielinski said.

“There were a few proposals for the location, including an offer to make just $10,000 worth of repairs so that it could open as a bar,” the alderman said. “I said ‘no’ to that proposal and was soon approached by George and Wendy, who have invested more than $500,000 to renovate the building and have now added another jewel to Bay View and the Business Improvement District #44 along S. Kinnickinnic Ave.”

George Mireles, who has 20 years of experience in construction, said it was by far “the most challenging renovation” he’s ever undertaken.

“It was worth it and I think (the renovations) turned out great, and I think the neighborhood will be quite happy with what we’ve done,” Mr. Mireles said.

“I want to thank Alderman Zielinski for his assistance and for his patience in waiting for our proposal to come his way,” Mr. Mireles said. “He clearly wanted a better establishment to come in, and in my humble opinion I believe that is what we have here.”