Former Bank May Become Emporium

The former Bank of Italy building in downtown Ventura, empty for more than a year, may soon be full of boutiques and cafes, its owner says.

The incarnation of the 1923 Beaux Arts revival building at Oak and East Main streets will tentatively be called the Bank Emporium. It will have a two-story atrium and small fountain, surrounded by cafe tables.

Owner Gerald Bosch hopes to attract a large bistro-type restaurant, a few smaller eateries, clothing stores, gift boutiques and an artist for a third-floor studio.

Bosch and his father bought the building in 1978 for $175,000. He expects it should be worth about $2 million when it is full of tenants in six months to a year.

Bosch plans to charge $415 to $600 a month for the smaller spaces. He is not sure what he will charge for the large restaurant space.