A new bar is expected to open soon in the former home of longtime downtown Wilmington establishment Costello's Piano Bar, which closed last year.

Marc Mereyde, founder and CEO of web design and digital marketing firm TiktoPlus, said Monday that his bar, Old Guerdon Lodge, is expected to open in Unit C at 211 Princess St. within the next couple of weeks. The new establishment is not affiliated with TitkoPlus, Mereyde said.

Old Guerdon Lodge, which will serve beer, wine and liquor but no food, will have the feel of a hunting lodge, he said. The word "guerdon," which dates back to the 14th century, means "reward."

"It's kind of a vision I've had for almost 10 years. I've spent most of my life in North Carolina, South Carolina and Idaho, and I've been hunting since I was very young," Mereyde said.

Old Guerdon Lodge will be private club, requiring a membership fee that will likely be less than $5. 

"There will be a variety of liquor, beer and wine. We don't want to alienate the beer drinkers or wine drinkers or liquor drinkers. There will definitely be lots of choices," Mereyde said.

The just under 800-square-foot space has been renovated and the bar has a new entrance onto Princess Street.

LFM Canastel LLC bought the first two floors of 211 Princess St. for $420,000 from Two Eleven Investments LLC last year, according to the deed recorded in New Hanover County. 

While members of Mereyde's family are partners in the real estate holding firm that owns the property, Old Guerdon Lodge is a different entity and operates separately, Marc Mereyde said.

Mereyde will be posting updates on Old Guerdon Lodge on the bar's Facebook page.