The Erie Downtown Development Corp., which announced plans earlier this year to open an Italian restaurant in the Cashier's House at 413 State St., now has plans for a third-floor tenant of the historic building.

The EDDC, a business-backed group that's working to revitalize downtown Erie, said the Brig Cigar Lounge is expected to open by this fall.

Erie native Josh Habursky, chief lobbyist for the Premium Cigar Association, is the creator of the concept and a partner in the business, which is described as a premium cigar shop, lounge and destination that will offer cigars and pipe tobacco for sale.

“We are excited to be a part of the EDDC-led revitalization of downtown,” Habursky said in a statement. “This is a unique opportunity to bring world-class premium cigars and a first-rate experience to downtown Erie."

The lounge, which will offer a barber chair, a pool table and televisions for sporting events, will occupy about 2,000 square feet, Persinger said. There are no immediate plans for a liquor license.

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Persinger said he's excited about the concept and has great confidence in the plan for the lounge, which is expected to showcase Erie's maritime history.

"We want to create spaces that will be must-visit destinations for people who live here or people who are visiting. This cigar lounge has world-class operators behind it," he said. Persinger said the space will feature what he calls an intricate ventilation system.

When the EDDC announced plans for a first-floor Italian restaurant at the end of January, Persinger had hoped the restaurant would be open sometime this spring.

Persinger said Wednesday that it's likely the restaurant won't open until the fall.

"Not even downtown Erie is immune from global supply issues," he said. "There have been some delays with obtaining pieces of equipment."

The Cashier's House, a stuccoed brick building, was built in 1839 to serve as the home for the chief executive of the Erie branch of the Bank of the United States. More recently, the building housed the offices of the EDDC.

Jim Martin can be reached at jmartin@timesnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Brig Cigar Lounge will be new tenant of downtown Erie group