A business by the name of Circa 1880 has applied for a liquor license in the former Marchese's Olive Pit space, 1100 S. 1st St.

Thomas Hauck, who was the chef de cuisine at Mason Street Grill, plans to open the bar and eatery in early May. The building was built in 1880, hence the name, but the menu will be very modern.

"We'll have vintage photos and maps on the walls, but the food will be very forward thinking," says Hauck. "The market will dictate the menu, which will be constantly changing."

Most of the menu items will be made with food from Wisconsin farmers. Hauck says Circa 1880 will also have a good selection of half bottles of wine so groups can experiment with different pairings.

"And local products like those from Great Lakes Distillery will be at the forefront," says Hauck.

The Olive Pit closed in December of 2011, much to the surprise of many longtime enthusiasts of the Walker's Point Italian restaurant.