Is the Vault Cocktail Bar Back on Track Downtown?

Announced in a flurry of excitement last October, for most of this year, Fremont East's proposed Vault cocktail bar has only given the impression the "classic American" tavern was mothballed or abandoned. But new paperwork gives hope the project finally has a new lease on life.

Taking over the former Coterie fashion boutique at 515 Fremont, sitting in between The Griffin and Beauty Bar, the team behind Container Park’s Oak & Ivy were slated to turn the 3,250-square-foot, rectangular footprint into a bank and Prohibition-era themed bar. After gutting the space to the walls, little progress has been noted, but earlier this week, plans for the remodel were resubmitted to the City for review.

Over a year ago, the design included dividing the room into two sections, with a whiskey bar section specializing in serving spirits, barrel-aged whiskeys and offering "12 handpicked craft beers and ciders on draft." Homemade snacks and small bites were imagined for the limited dining menu.

The rear of the tavern would host the "Library Bar," lined on one side with bookcases. Also planned for the beverage menu, a "seasonal Smash menu" focused on "fresh juices, fruit, herbs, spices and shrubs, an "extensive Mule menu" and "handcrafted draft sodas, mixers and ginger beer."

Vault had hoped to receive permission to create a 300-square-foot patio out on Fremont East and provide access to the Get Back Alley behind the tavern for more seating options.

Vault's official website and Facebook page have not been updated since 2015.