VALENTINE, Neb. - Construction is underway at a planned bar and small restaurant in downtown Valentine. Mike Huggins, who is a co-owner of Valentine Locker, purchased the former Derby Bar on west 2nd Street, just off Main Street.

“I’ve seen a lot of people investing back into Valentine. I’m excited to do my own thing and build a bar that I would be excited to be in,” said Huggins.

Huggins is in the process of gutting the building and finalizing the layout. While details are still in the works, he plans to offer a unique experience not currently available in Valentine, paired with a small rotating menu featuring three items.

An opening date has not been set, as significant renovations are still needed. Huggins estimates it could take around a year before the new spot is ready to open its doors.

In addition to the new bar/restaurant, downtown Valentine is buzzing with activity as several other projects take shape. These include a new movie theater and the William R. Fraternal Hall project, which will feature a blend of lodging, dining, and retail spaces.

“We’d like to make Valentine’s Main Street a better mix of professional, retail and lodging to bring people back downtown,” said William R. Fraternal Hall owner Robert Joseph in a previous video story.

As News Channel Nebraska also previously reported, a new coffee shop also recently opened on the same block.