TEMPLETON — After four months of extensive renovations, the Otter River Pub & Red Onion Pool Hall will officially open for business on Monday, Feb. 5.

It was on Sept. 27 that a fire ravaged the historical building, causing significant damage to the second and third floors, and all but destroying the roof and storage building.

Since then, crews have been hard at work to get the pub back up and running, and owner Matt Black also thanks the community for its support — whether through well wishes or organizing fundraisers to help cover repair costs.

Black added that without this help, the work would have taken far longer to complete.

“It feels great, to think that we almost lost everything we worked so hard to accomplish over the last year and a half in one night, and see it transform into something new,” said Black.

Black became the owner of the Otter River Pub in November 2022. He then began a lengthy renovation process, during which he said the property had been “rebirthed,” maintaining some of the original look, but also adding new touches.

He said a lot was done— a full removal of the lower levels, a new roof, and new windows and doors.

“On Sept. 27, I watched all that work was gone like it was all for nothing,” said Black, referring to the night of the fire.

Since then, the rebuilding work has been nonstop, and Black credited a strong sense of drive and commitment to the project for the fast turnaround.

After debris was removed from the site, the roof was completely rebuilt, after which much of the interior work could be completed at once.

“A lot of things were dependent on making the building structurally sound and watertight,” he said. “The roof was by far the biggest project.”

Black said with this new Otter River Pub, patrons will see some classic aspects, such as original signage and photos.

“This will make it feel very vintage, very 1800-building-ish,” Black said. “These features have never been seen by anyone.”

Black said that fire safety was on his mind during the rebuild, and all electrical outlets, wires and sockets have been replaced.

Egress from the building has been made safer, and plumbing systems have also been updated.

Black said he worked closely with the Templeton’s fire and building departments to update alarms with sensors to allow for direct monitoring of the building and an immediate alert in case of a fire.

Built in 1880, the Otter River Pub & Red Onion Pool Hall has had a number of uses, but the common theme was that it was a place for the community to gather. That’ll be the case on Monday, Feb. 5, as Black plans to “keep it simple,” adding that regular showcases will return. On Wednesdays, the Otter River will host its open mic night, and Thursday will see acoustic performers. Fridays will see the popular karaoke nights, and Saturdays will be full band shows.

“We’re known as the place to get a good bite to eat and a beer,” Black said. “We’ll keep it simple. It’s about the bar, not about the draw.”

Max Bowen can be reached at 413-930-4074 or mbowen@recorder.com.