Owners of Nellie Cashman's restaurant are repairing a collapsing roof and removing a tree to restore their patio for outside seating in time for summer.

"We are fixing the patio for safety reasons, so why not open it up for the people to enjoy?" said Steve Goldstein, who owns the restaurant with his spouse, Gloria. Construction on the restaurant will be complete by late June or early July, and the Goldsteins plan to open it immediately for dining.

The Silver Nugget Bed and Breakfast is another Tombstone business gearing up for guests. Owner Jim Penna began renovations to improve the safety of the facility. In November, Penna started various projects, including adding reinforcement on the outer walls, repainting the outside of the structure, replacing the back steps and fixing the roof.

"Things needed to be done for both safety and cosmetic reasons," said Penna.
"The renovations will not only make the place look better but improve the safety for our guests."

The old Bank Building, the town's visitor center, is currently undergoing restoration. The project is being funded through a $50,000 grant administrated by Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Pat Greene. The city must provide some funds, about $12,500, to help with the project.

The visitor center will get a new roof and boardwalk. Renovations inside and outside of the building will restore it to its original Victorian style.

A few cosmetic touches will include a mahogany bank teller's cage and a vintage 1900s phone booth to complete the atmosphere.

Cochise Painting LLC, led by Andrew Price, will paint and repair the adobe and cornice. Repairs began Jan. 22, but have been delayed after the rain caused water damage to the sealing and priming. There is no time frame for the completion of the project.

"There are lots of cracks and damage done to the original building, but once the rain stops we will be able to get back to repairs," Price said.

The bank was opened by J.B. Allen and purchased in 1879 by Phillip Smith who opened it as a Pioneer Store and agency of the Pima County Bank. Over the years, the building has been used commercially and was once the Medical Clinic and Hospital for the city up until the 1960s.

Locals believe that once the building is restored it will be a great place for tourists to go and get information on the town. "The bank is one of the original buildings in Tombstone, so once it's repaired it will be a great place for the visitors center," said Teresa Benjamin, a town tour guide.

Once the renovations are complete, the bank will be the first fully renovated historic building owned by the City of Tombstone.