Work is beginning on a new wine bar in Brownwood. The location on Austin Avenue will require much work prior to opening. Leona Cleveland submitted an application for a building improvement incentive grant for improvements to open up the La Sorella Wine Bar.

La Sorella will offer a place to go for those seeking to get away from overcrowded restaurants with meager wine selections. La Sorella says they will bring in quality selections of wine and craft beers and offer small plate food selections as well. The ambience of the old house will appeal to those who want to sit and enjoy themselves in a relaxed atmosphere.

Cleveland has proposed to replace the roof, paint the interior and exterior, build a handicap ramp, remodel bathrooms, replace kitchen doors, demolish the garage and shed and install a privacy fence. Bids have been submitted for all the work. The total cost of the project is $18,139. The BMDD board approved a grant not to exceed $5,000 for the project. Funding for a privacy fence and other work already begun were excluded. The council unanimously approved the incentive grant. A tentative opening date for La Sorella has not yet been released.