Keith Riddle, managing owner of Synergy Properties LLC, of Spokane, says work is underway to add a new restaurant to the company’s current offices in the former Masonic Temple building, at 706 W. Garland. 

Riddle and his business partner, Paul Cassel, purchased the 5,000-square-foot lodge in 2013 through their company, Greater Northwest Assets LLC.

“This building is kind of a staple in the community,” says Riddle. “We always knew we wouldn’t use all the space for our real estate offices, so the plan was to eventually add a restaurant.”

Riddle says plans call for the restaurant and bar to occupy 1,200-square feet of unused space in the basement and lower west side of the building.

Riddle says Spokane Valley-based Brumback Construction Inc. is the contractor for the project, which was designed by Trek Architecture, of Spokane.

“We’ve just started some site prep work, and hope to have construction in full swing soon,” he says. “We’d like to be ready to open by late June or early July.”

Riddle says the restaurant’s name is yet to be decided, but the space is planned to feature a full-service bar with craft cocktails and a menu offering upscale, American bistro-style dishes.

He says the restaurant and bar space likely will have about 10 employees.