Andrew Phipps, new owner of Ike’s, 409 Lincoln Ave., said he is renovating and cleaning the bar to keep the feel of the atmosphere.

“It was in pretty beat-up shape and just needed some care,” Phipps said.

He said he is going to keep the old floor plan. Phipps said he plans to replace booths, fix and repaint the walls, place new tile and do various other small projects.

He said his father and brothers are doing the work, which began June 1, and they are hoping to reopen in time for the Red, White and Blue Days.

“We’ve been just slowly grinding away and getting everything done step-by-step,” Phipps said. “I’ve been there almost everyday.”

Phipps said he started out managing Ike’s before buying it, and he is looking forward to the experience.

He said he hopes to be open through the Fourth of July week, as well as the weekends for the rest of the summer.

“I plan on having an event in the fall to kind of open for the new management and to get the Eastern students to come back,” Phipps said.

He said he is looking forward to reopening Ike’s.

“I’m just excited, I hope the students come back in the fall and enjoy the changes and bring the kind of atmosphere that Ike’s has had this last year.”

Marcus Smith can be reached at 581-2812 or masmith6@eiu.edu.