Former Lodge building in downtown Ocala to reopen as new restaurant by December

Former Lodge building on Magnolia Avenue in downtown Ocala to reopen as a new restaurant by December under renovations by BWC Construction.

By Jamie Cox November 13, 2026 2:55 pm

Historic brick buildings with a mix of red brick and white facades, with green awnings over storefronts. A sign for "The Lodge" bar and restaurant is visible on a white building to the right. A "One Way" street sign points left and colorful flower planters decorate the sidewalk. — 352todayThe historic building at 36 S. Magnolia Avenue that housed The Lodge until its July closure is under renovation by BWC Construction and is expected to reopen as a restaurant by December.

OCALA, FL (352Today.com) – Remember when, out of nowhere, The Lodge was forced to close because the building was declared unsafe? We do, too.

Well, local developer Bryan Caracciolo, General Contractor and President of BWC Construction, shared the news that the historic building at 36 S. Magnolia Avenue is currently under renovation and will return as a restaurant by December. Caracciolo said his company is completing the remodel work over the next couple of weeks. He described the incoming concept as “completely different than what was occupying the space prior,” intending to elevate the downtown experience. The name and full concept details are expected to be announced within the next week.

“My company BWC Construction, is completing all the renovations and remodel work over the next couple of weeks. The concept along with the name will be announced within the next week,” Caraccoilo said.

The Lodge closed in July after the City of Ocala posted a “Dangerous or Unsafe – Do Not Enter” notice on the door, citing structural concerns. The quick timeline for a new restaurant at the site marks a relatively fast turnaround for the Magnolia Avenue property and adds to the ongoing wave of dining investment in downtown Ocala.

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