However, the couple — along with help from family, friends and the community — have been able to push forward with their vision of the space. One piece at a time, they’ve breathed life back into the building. And now, they’re about to celebrate another milestone.

The large bar area on the first floor of the building, which is connected to its dance floor and restaurant space, has been renovated and will open to the public tonight. The special occasion — planned during Commonwealth University-Lock Haven’s Homecoming weekend — will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. along with drink specials, a DJ and appetizers.

As they’ve done in every other space they’ve renovated, Carey said he worked to combine the Fallon’s historic charm with some amount of modernity.

The original bar — which can seat between 32 to 35 people — remains mostly untouched beyond a few modifications. New soda machines and other hardware have been installed, but beyond that it’s the same as it’s always been.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS The large bar space at The Fallon Hotel was in need of just a few more finishing touches leading up to the area’s official opening tonight.

The bottle storage behind the bar also looks the same with its mirrored backing and glass shelves. Carey noted he removed the TV that originally hung on the bar, saying he won’t hang another.

“I don’t want a TV on the bar. This is a conversation piece. I want people to be able to find something interesting when they look around the space,” he said.

Beyond the bar itself, Carey mimicked the dance area space — which is right off the main bar area — with black and white faux brick on the walls original to the space and hand painted checkered flooring that is throughout the first floor of the building.

For the walls, Carey hand painted a design using gold paint that offers a three dimensional look.

“I wanted to create a three-layered complexity to it with that iconic gold. It creates depth and texture based on lighting and other factors,” he said.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS A section of The Fallon Hotel, Est. 1856’s, big bar area features new touches, such as black and white faux brick and lighting, along with the original stained glass and other pieces original to the historic building.

The high ceilings also saw improvements, with cross beams that existed before getting a fresh coat of paint and new, and subtle, lighting fixtures.

Though the space will be up and ready for the grand opening, Carey noted he has other projects and final touches he’ll be adding over time. This includes using a former private room as a new women’s restroom.

“I want to create that perfect, Instagram ready space,” he said.

The new bar will also mark the reopening of its exclusive entrance. Located on the side of the building, Carey and Brittany said it will benefit both bar patrons and individuals who choose to stay at The Fallon Hotel.

“We want guests to be able to appreciate the front lobby and calm atmosphere. But still let the bar patrons have a high energy space,” Carey said, noting those who stay at the hotel can still easily access the bar and restaurant area.

The new entryway is easily found with the large sign with the business’s signature logo shining brightly for those to see.

Carey profusely thanked Ironwood Construction for taking the design and blowing it up into such a unique and captivating way.

“They did phenomenal work on this,” he said.

Carey also thanked Action Equipment for assistance in learning to utilize one of their lifts so he could complete work on the front facade of the building.

The completion of the bar will mark an almost finished first floor of the hotel, barring a few rooms that need work.

Both Chisolms are extremely excited to celebrate this milestone tonight with members of the community, many who have shown support to their plans for the last six years.

“This is such a beautiful old building and it has an abundance of history that we’re happy to showcase,” Carey said.

Though there’s still much to do, the couple said they’ll be putting renovations on pause briefly.

“We’re going to have a brief moment to relax, sit back and take in what we’ve created,” Brittany said. “It’ll give us time to plan what to do next.”

Carey noted his eyes are set on the courtyard located behind the building. In previous interviews with The Express, Carey has touched on his hopes to turn that area into another gathering space of some kind for hotel patrons and others.

The work that’s been put into the structure since it was purchased in 2018 hasn’t gone unnoticed.

According to the Chisolms, they’ll be receiving the Community Initiative Award from the Pennsylvania State Historical Preservation office. The couple said a member of the community nominated The Fallon to receive the award.

According to its website, “The Community Initiative Award from the State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO) recognizes organizations, municipalities, agencies, individuals and others whose work embodies the theme of Pennsylvania’s statewide historic preservation plan, #PreservationHappensHere.”

The Chisolm said they’re grateful for the recognition as they continue to work to bring The Fallon Hotel back to life.

“It shows community. The Fallon was built by the Queen of Spain but it’s built on community,” Carey said.

This focus on community is why Carey said they chose to hold the Ribbon Cutting ceremony and open the large bar during Homecoming.

“Last year was our first homecoming that we were open and so many people stopped in and shared memories of the space,” he said. “We want to bring the community in and we needed a big enough space to do so.”

Carey and Brittany encourage anyone who is able to come out tonight at 5 p.m. to celebrate the continued revitalization of The Fallon.

The event will feature champagne and appetizers along with a variety of drink specials such as $5 F Buckets and $10 Big AF Buckets along with $2 Seagrams Dump Its. DJ Big A from State College will also offer music.

With the bar complete, Carey said Est. 1856 will be getting back into its regular specials such as Taco Tuesday, Wing Wednesday, Quarter Draft and Karaoke on Thursdays, TGIF celebrations on Fridays with DJ Big A and Saturday Night specials.

New to Saturdays beginning this week will be an After Hours special from 2 to 4 a.m. The event will feature food, mocktails and music and offer a calming atmosphere for party goers to relax and ensure they are sober for their trek home.

Saturday After Hours will continue with the potential of others included on other days of the week.

Carey also noted DJ Oxygen from Maryland will be a special musical guest this Saturday for Homecoming weekend.

To keep up to date with The Fallon Hotel and Est. 1856, visit The Fallon Hotel Est. 1856 on Facebook, the_fallonh on Instagram or www.est1856.com.