Plans for The Wheel House taking shape

When The Wheel House real estate was sold in 2024, locals questioned the future of Niwot's popular gathering spot, renowned for its eclectic crowd and vibrant atmosphere. On some evenings a small band might be playing in a corner while guests cheered their favorite sports teams competing on the screen across the room at the bar, with patrons enjoying food from La Musette food truck.

On Thursday evenings in the summer, amped up locals and visitors stop by after Rock & Rails concerts in Whistle Stop Park. Small groups assemble for their regular euchre or social meetups. The Wheel House has long been a sentimental favorite.

The new owner of the property, Cornelia Sawle, unveiled her vision for the space as she collaborates with architects to complete the plan to open a full service restaurant. One of her first comments was, "We're keeping the name 'The Wheel House' for the bar." She said it fits with the history and the casual theme she intends to preserve.

Sawle will keep the bar open as much as possible during the construction phase. She said there will likely be few changes to the bar itself, citing improved acoustics as a priority. Construction noise from elsewhere in the building will temporarily delay the bar's opening time until later in the afternoon, but Sawle wants The Wheel House to be a continuing operation. And, she wants to continue to serve its loyal customer base.

Sawle also intends to expand the business by operating a restaurant along with the bar for lunch and dinner seven days a week. A commercial kitchen will be installed in the former Wheel Works space as soon as possible, which is now in the process of being cleared out.

Sawle has owned restaurants in San Francisco for 10 years and in Chicago for six years. Her son-in-law, Peter Brandes, has managed Lucile's Creole Cafe in Boulder for 10 years. The two of them are collaborating on this venture.

In addition to operating a restaurant and bar, plans are being made to open a third business, a bike shop in the warehouse on the property. The shop will offer bike rentals and repairs, but the emphasis will be on the biking community, where groups can gather for meetings and social events.

There has been speculation that joint events involving The Wheel House, The Niwot Inn (which Sawle co-owns with her daughter, Carissa Brandes) and Niwot Hall may be under consideration. Sawle responded that, although that may happen occasionally, it is not part of her plan at this time.

Sawle emphasized that the project is still in development, with timelines dependent on the county's permitting process and construction progress. She said she is excited for the opportunity to enhance Niwot's community offerings and looks forward to a grand opening celebration once all three businesses are operational.