VALPARAISO | What is believed to be the oldest tavern in Indiana operating in the same place under the same name is getting a major makeover.

Work started Monday on renovating the exterior of the Franklin House, at the corner of Campbell Street and Indiana Avenue in Valparaiso. Originally built in 1857, the building is now in the hands of Jason Evans, who said the $125,000 to $150,000 facelift is a labor of love for him.

"With everything the city has done and what we've done for this area, I felt it was time the building needed some TLC to last another 150 years," Evans said. "When people say I own it, I say, 'No, I'm just the caretaker."

The work will include tuckpointing, a new roof, redoing the staircase, adding shutters, repairing the cap around the roof, new lighting and new trim around the doors and windows. The city approved a $25,000 forgivable loan for the project as part of its facade grant program.

Evans said he hopes to have the work done in about three weeks.

"The big thing for us in the unknown of what is under probably 30 years of paint on the building," he said. "We are trying to get it off to see how the original brick looks to decide if we clear coat it or use new brick paint. We have the ChicaGo Dash here, and we want to make it appealing. We are adding awnings to help identify where the bus station is and make it more attractive."

He said the city's Redevelopment Commission plans to install bike racks at the Dash depot, and Evans said he wants to help the new express commuter bus service as much as he can in addition to restoring the historic look of the building. The new sign will include lettering on both sides of the building spelling out Franklin House.

"We are adding some outside dining on the Campbell Street side. I just want to get the improvements done. We've been a long time working on it."