The historic building to be preserved, built in 1875, was renovated and reopened in September 2000 as the Hotel Ruby Marie — named after Worm’s mother — with 15 rooms and featuring the Lakeview Bakery and Deli and Germania Collectibles. The Up North Bar with its northern Wisconsin decor is also part of that structure.

The current vision has the Essen Haus and Come Back In in a new building that would be three or four stories facing East Wilson Street, with the structure stepping up in height toward the center of the property.

The main building could be up to 10 stories but would be roughly the height of the Cardinal Bar building to the west and MG&E building to the East, he said.

The Downtown Plan allows six stories at the location, Rummel’s posting said.

Worm said he would remove and store countless items of memorabilia — including the famous hanging beer steins at the Essen Haus — as well as brickwork and tin ceiling from the establishments and return many to the new facilities. The concept would allow rooftop dining with views of Lake Monona and modern touches like allowing diners to see the kitchen, he said.