Two Mill Valley restaurateurs have joined forces to revitalize the city’s landmark Depot Bookstore and Cafe.

Vasco owner Paul Lazzareschi and Piazza D’Angelo co-owner Domenico Petrone have taken over the popular cafe, situated in the city’s historic depot building at the center of downtown. The investors want to bring new energy to the establishment with modest changes, “taking a landmark into the modern era,” Petrone said.

“I think it was just the opportunity of a lifetime,” Lazzareschi said. “It’s the center of the whole town — the jewel of the square.”

The Depot is the anchor of the downtown plaza at Throckmorton and Miller avenues. Lazzareschi’s Vasco and Petrone’s Piazza D’Angelo are a stone’s throw away.

“People always ask where my restaurant is in relation to the Depot,” Lazzareschi said. “That’s how well known it is.”

Some changes they propose include expanding service until 9 p.m., adding new pastries and sandwiches to the menu, and improving the patio with lighting and heating fixtures. The partners would also like to make some floor plan changes that could include moving the restroom to make more room for a bigger kitchen.

“There is so much space that is not utilized,” Lazzareschi said, adding that the changes would “improve the service.”

“It’s been a wonderful space for years. It just needs a little polish,” he said.

The new owners purchased the business in April from the family of the late Mary Turnbull, founded the bookstore and cafe in 1987 with her husband, William Turnbull. She died last year.

The depot building, which also contains the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, is owned by the city.

The existing lease is up in December, and the new owners hope to sign a five-year extension when their plans are finalized. Per the lease, the Depot pays the city a base rent of $7,479 a month plus a percentage of total sales.

The City Council on Monday night was expected to form a subcommittee that would work with staff and the new owners to come up with a plan the council could consider at a later date.

Railroad roots

The historic depot building was built in 1929 by the Northwestern Pacific Railroad, serving as the terminal for electric and oil trains to and from Mill Valley and Sausalito. After the last commuter train departed for Sausalito in 1940, the depot operated as a bus station.

In the 1970s it became Ganey’s Bookstore and Cafe. The Turnbull family took over in 1987 and it has been the city’s mainstay and community hub since.

“What’s certain is that the things that are so nice and special about it are going to remain,” City Manager Jim McCann said. “I think that’s the key part of their plans: While there is change, the charm and its presence is going to be the same. They just want it to function better for them.”

Lee Jones, a 39-year-old who grew up in Mill Valley, said he loves the Depot.

“This is where you bring your kids, where you read a book, have a drink with friends,” he said, adding that he likes the idea of later hours. “It’s the outdoor spot to go to.”

Mayor John McCauley said Lazzareschi and Petrone are well known and respected business owners.

“The Depot building, outdoor space, and relationship to the plaza are all very important elements of our downtown,” he said. “We look forward to working with them as the city finishes our new plaza bathrooms and makes other small enhancements to the building. This is an important structure and any proposed improvements will go through a thorough public process.”

Petrone said they can’t wait.

“The place is busy, and it always has been,” he said. “The people love it. We want to make it better.”