What's Going On at the Old South Pacific Location?

Newton's South Pacific restaurant abruptly shuttered its doors last September, sending its decades of customers into a state of mourning that culminated with a memorial page on Facebook.

According to the city assessor's database, the property at 1152 Beacon St. is owned by South 1 Realty LLC, and includes retail stores from 1144-1152 Beacon St. Its FY 2013 assessment came in at $1.9 million.

For the past eight months, the restaurant front has remained vacant and up for lease. Just recently, a building permit has appeared in the window, which is likely why a Newton Patch Twitter follower posed the question: "What's going on at the old South Pacific?"

Here's what we found out for this edition of You Ask, Patch Answers:

According to the city's building permit records, in May, contractor David G. Wilson was issued a permit for the interior demolition of existing finishes; partitions; and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems.

On June 3, another permit, this one for roof work, was issued to a different contractor.

Rob Walsh, manager of Investment Properties which oversees the property, told Patch that a new tenant has been found for the former South Pacific location. He also said that that the new business is not a restaurant.

Beyond that, he said he could not at this time provide details about the business or even discuss the type of business. Walsh said he expected the new tenant would release information in due time.

Walsh said there remains much work to be done at the property, and he would be suprised to see anything open before fall 2013.

Given that a restaurant at the location is out, what are you hoping will open in the former South Pacific storefront? What does the area need?