When Will The Rosa Reopen?

Excitement and anticipation continue to build about when The Rosa will reopen on State Street as the restaurant's new owners continue to carry out more than $1.2 million in renovations.

On Tuesday afternoon, Stacy Stiles, who serves as the business manager for Martingale Wharf on Bow Street, said The Rosa's owners, Mark McNabb and Joe Barone, are still shooting for this summer, but she could not say what month or day the family-style Italian restaurant could reopen.

that includes three buildings for $1.6 million on Dec. 20, according to John Samonas, owner of Samonas Realty on Bow Street.

The Rosa has been in Portsmouth for more than 80 years. It was closed last year before McNabb and Barone bought it with a plan to reopen it under the same name.

According to city documents posted by the Portsmouth Building Inspector, The Rosa's owners are in the process of completing the following work:

• $550,000 for the total renovation of the second and third floors for six new condominium units
• $40,000 to demolish the interior, non-structural finish, ceilings, walls and basement floor
• $600,000 to renovate basement and first floor
• $115,000 to do exterior work that includes replacement of the windows and doors, a new dumpster enclosure and rooftop mechanical equipment

Do you plan on going to the Rosa when it reopens?