In this fair city, it’s always inspiring when investors have the vision and drive to take a historic building, spare it from demolition, and update it with modern touches that maintain its turn-of-the-century integrity.



That’s precisely what’s happening in a section of this city that you might not think of often enough, and what will soon open at the street level of a particular building is a lounge that you’ll most certainly add to your list of new favorite hangouts.



When Neil Harris took a look at the 1904 black Masons building at 301 E. 25th St. in the Dome District, he knew he had to have it, and he immediately felt its potential.



He did some public records research, made an offer to the owner who was ready to sell, and now that it’s his, you’ll find Harris and his business partner, George Reed-Harmon, working day and night to construct what will become Tacoma’s next best nightlife treat.



Harris and Reed-Harmon let me sneak in over the weekend to peep in on their progress of a creating a business that you must add to your urban rolodex: the New Frontier Lounge.



Upon entering the space, my eyes immediately went to the wood floors that are being restored and the Masonry sign that had been dusted off and made me salivate with Old World adoration.



Next you’ll see a handsome bar that looks like it’s been there since the building was constructed in 1904.



Along the wall underneath the majestic windows that were previously covered, you’ll see long, recently upholstered benches that add a subtle dose of funk.



The focal point of the space is the stage. And on the wall behind it, the guys have maintained a stroke of genius: They intentionally left the wall with multicolored bead board, and they’ve used the same bead board in other sections of the bar that offer perfect accents.



To the left of the stage is the awesome New Frontier sign, which was purchased from the former New Frontier bowling alley.



And the industrial-looking lighting obviously pairs.



The penny round tiling in the bathrooms is very flattering, and what made me giggle is that the boys’ bathroom is replete with directional arrows that have been built into the design that point to the urinal, the toilet and, of course, the sink.



What you can expect from the New Frontier is a sweet live music venue, a pool table, all kinds of mixed drinks and beer, and courtesy of the connections of Reed-Harmon (who occasionally plays guitar for Mono in VCF and bass for Mercy Pirates) and Harris, I can guarantee that a hip crowd will follow.



They’re expecting to open in September, but we all know how it goes with saving and restoring a beautiful 1904 building.



That’s why we’ll keep you posted on the opening through our blog, www.weeklyvolcanospew.com, because we at the Weekly Volcano can’t wait to frequent this historic gem that’s sure to bring even more life to the Dome District.



Tell me where you like to party at sceneofthecrime@hotmail.com.