Despite problems, businessman determined to open bakery

Water is coming through the roof and grease clogs up the traps, but Carson City contractor Elroy "Buz" Devoll is still determined to put a business inside the empty restaurant at Carson City's municipal airport.

Devoll obtained a five-year rent waiver from the airport authority in exchange for renovating and occupying the restaurant, which has housed everything from a 1950s family diner to a biker bar.

Devoll plans to turn the building into a café and bakery.

He said to the airport authority Wednesday night that he's spent about $35,000 on it so far and the project has been stressful. One of Devoll's trailers sitting on the property was burglarized.

"Why do you want to do this in that building?" asked board member Neil Weaver. "Why do you want to do this? It leaks in the roof and in the floor. It leaks from both sides. Every week, you have to shovel out the grease traps."

Devoll was given an extensive list back in July of what had to be done before it could be used as a business. The list including repairing the fire system, fixing the roof - because half of it was gone - and making the building handicapped accessible.

"It's a gamble," Devoll said. "I'm doing it for myself."

He said the roof has been poured with tar. Gelatin was used to seal the foundation, which Devoll said he hopes will stop water from draining in from the tarmac.

Airport Authority Chairman Harlow Norvell said Devoll may be getting free rent for five years, but he's not getting off easy.

Board member Gary Handelin said he drives past the building often enough to see that work is being done.

"Although sometimes it looks like it's going backward when the concrete is getting pulled up," he said.

At one point in the renovation, Devoll said he had to dig up the concrete floor in order to identify all the pipes under the building, per a city plumbing inspection request, then repour it.

Board member Richard Staub asked Devoll when they will see a café opening.

"End of March, I guess," Devoll said. "I don't know what is going to be thrown in my path again."

Devoll said he may not stay there in the future, but it's something his children can continue. He estimated that about 80 percent of the work is done.

He said another problem is that there is about 1 inch of standing water in the west end of the building.

"I don' t know why I'm doing this but I'm doing it," he said, exasperation in his voice.

Chairman Norvell asked Devoll if he is going to see it through.

"I don't quit. I can't leave that building. I've got to stay there."

Airport manager Yvon Weaver agreed to work with Devoll to keep track of his progress until it opens. Originally, Devoll intended to open before Thanksgiving.

Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.