Restoration is a valued practice in Wisconsin and one particularly exciting project completed this month is the cheel’s (105 S. Main St., Thiensville) historically-accurate turret built by Ozaukee County’s Bill Conley. Unique to this restoration is a contemporary handmade bronze eagle created by Theinville artist Allen Caucutt and Third Ward sculptor Tom Queoff perched on the apex to signify the restaurant’s name.
The 1895 Queen Ann-style building in the Main Street Historic District of Thiensville currently housing the cheel used to be the popular Commercial House Hotel. “This is an effort to restore the building to its former glory,” states cheel’s press release.
Cheel is the Nepalese word for eagle and the establishment has created its own verb definition: “Taking your flavor experience to new and undiscovered altitudes through craft cocktails and classic and creative cuisine.”
Conely has restored many historic buildings in the area and is also an avid local musician 40 years strong. “All his experience throughout his life has made him detailed and meticulous, which is apparent on the turret that proportionately and stylistically match the cheel building,” states cheel’s press release.
Caucutt has worked as an art educator in the area for more than 50 years and more than 75 public venues and 1,500 private collections include his major artworks. Queoff, a member of the U.S. Snow Sculpting Team, is the owner of Milwaukee’s TQ Sculpture Studio, which reproduces one-of-a-kind components for fine decorative arts and other antique or one-of-a-kind items.
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Check out the construction process of the turret!
