A new concept is taking shape at a popular two-story bar in Elizabeth.

Caswell Station, a partnership from the owners of The Trail House in Indian Train and Bradshaw Social House near Ballantyne, is targeting an early to mid-September opening at 366 N. Caswell Road.

Kennedy’s Premium Bar and Grill previously occupied the space for nearly seven years before abruptly closing in April of this year.

Caswell Station joins a flurry of activity breathing new life into this once thriving social hub of the Elizabeth neighborhood.

The corner of East 7th Street and North Caswell Road has changed dramatically over the last couple years as businesses make way for incoming development.

Philosopher’s Stone, Jackalope Jack’s, Crisp and Kennedy’s have all recently closed or relocated. (Jack’s is now across the tracks in Plaza Midwood and Crisp has additional locations on East Boulevard and in Uptown.)

Now new businesses have started announcing plans to move in.

Heritage, an award-winning restaurant in Waxhaw, is finalizing a lease on the former Crisp space next to Starbucks. And The Crunkleton, a craft cocktail bar out of Chapel Hill, is likely to move into the same building, replacing Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find, a comic book store with plans to relocate to NoDa.

Caswell Station co-owner Amit Patel (who is also behind the forthcoming Graham St. Pub & Patio project in Uptown) says that recent activity prompted their decision to purchase the old Kennedy’s house. “We are excited about being a part of that synergy,” he said.

Related story: Heritage finalizing lease for former Crisp location in Elizabeth and The Crunkleton eyeing spot next door

Interior and exterior renovations are currently underway to move the space away from Kennedy’s Irish pub design.

That includes new floors, bartops, TVs and furniture, as well as an all new outdoor gaming area.

Upstairs renovations will trail behind the work to the main floor and front patio but will eventually aim for a lounge-y speakeasy vibe with a craft cocktail bar.

The menu is described as “New American” and includes shareable small plates along with traditional bar food.

Look for things like sliders, skewers, dips and something called a lobster corndog, as well as bar classics like burgers, salads and flatbreads.

On weekdays they’ll have “pick two” lunch specials and weekends will include brunch features.

Stay tuned for more as this project continues.