From all accounts, the Delft Bistro in Marquette will open in the next few weeks, capping several years of planning and construction.

In the most recent development, the Marquette City Commission last week voted to approve an on-premises class C liquor license, needed to round out the developing dinner theater’s offerings.

Co-owners Tom Vear and Jennifer Ray said most of the work on the venerable downtown venue is complete but a number of items remain to be completed. Once that happens, the business can be open.

Funding for the project, which started after former owners Carmike Theaters shuttered the place in 2012, has included a $481,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp., dated October 2014. The grant included a requirement that the project open for business in two years.

The state confirmed that deadline has been extended to Feb. 28, 2017. Another provision requires the project to produce 25 new jobs within the first month of operation. Ownership said some staff has already been hired with more expected in the near future.

Once the project is up and running, it’s going to be a nice addition to the downtown, adding new jobs to the local workforce while utilizing one of our area’s iconic structures in a way consistent with its original use.