Progress being made on Coast Guard House

WESTERLY, R.I. (WPRI) -- It's taken a while, but the famed Coast Guard House is making some progress. They finally got power and limited heat on this week, according to owner Bob Leonard, and limited operations will begin next week.

After the powerful hurricane and storm known as Sandy on Oct. 29, the restaurant had been among severely damaged oceanfront properties.

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The damage turned out to not be as bad as that done by Hurricane Bob in 1991, because after that storm, the back wall of the restaurant was rebuilt so it couldn't be destroyed.

People can still buy Coast Guard House gift certificates for Christmas, Leonard said -- to be used once the venue fully reopens. He hopes that'll be in the spring.

Large sections of the building are still boarded up. A roadside sign advertising the restaurant's name remains inside, and on its side.

But menus and supplies inside the restaurant are getting ready to go, too.

The restaurant's voicemail, Facebook page, and website will have updates, Leonard said.