Despite initial plans to reopen in June, Saint John’s Reversing Falls Restaurant is still under construction, and it won’t be opening its doors anytime soon.

The businessman who saved the building from the wrecking ball says it will likely be fall before it reopens, but that it will be even better than he first promised.

“It has taken longer than we originally had planned because we’re going deep and the scope of the project has increased a bit,” says Max Kotlowski.

Plans were in place this time last year to demolish the building that sits over the iconic Reversing Falls, but Kotlowski bought the property and started to revitalize the space.

“Did more of the interior than we originally thought about,” he says. “In fact, tomorrow we have a truckload of wood and stone arriving. The entire exterior will be refinished with new siding and this whole entrance area.”

At least one tourist says having the building in operation will make it easier for tourists to spot the Reversing Falls lookout.

“It took us a bit to find it,” says Marilyn Strilec, who is visiting from Winnipeg. “The GPS took us to the other side and then we had to come back in, but it’s like many cities in Canada, we’re rebuilding them, which is nice.”

Kotlowski says he expects tourism numbers will increase once the restaurant reopens. He’s hoping to attract people from away, as well as local residents eager to see the changes.

“I’m excited about what’s happening in the town here,” he says. “I think tourism is going to come back in a big way in Saint John.”

The building will also house a skywalk over the Reversing Falls – an added adventure that will provide a new view of the phenomenon.

“Our skywalk floor is about 30 per cent solid glass, special glass, very clear glass,” says Kotlowski. “The entire railing system is all glass so it’s going to feel really neat to be out there.”

In addition to the restaurant, the building will house a wine cellar and a tourist bureau.

Kotlowski says he’s hoping to reopen the building in the fall, but an exact date has yet to be set.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Ashley Blackford