ZELIENOPLE — A new agreement with a local businessman could see diners enjoying a meal at the Kaufman House this year.

Borough manager Don Pepe, through a news release, announced Wednesday that borough officials have entered into a lease agreement with Patrick J. Boylan.

Boylan is a longtime funeral director in the area who owns several funeral homes.

In the agreement, the borough will pay for as much of the exterior refurbishment of the Zelienople landmark as possible through a grant.

Boylan will fund the interior refurbishment and any exterior work not covered by the grant.

In 15 years, Boylan will own the building and restaurant, according to the agreement.

The borough bought the Kaufman House on March 15 after an effort by the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau did not work out.

“The goal is that this project can take place without permanent use of local borough funds,” Pepe said in the release.

Boylan said he has been watching the goings-on surrounding the Kaufman House since a kitchen fire in 2011 closed the popular restaurant.

“It has to stay,” Boylan said. “It’s part of the community and part of Main Street. It’s a landmark.”

Boylan tried to make a deal with Ken and Doug Palurski, the father and son who owned the Kaufman house. The business was in the Palurski family for 37 years.

“They deserve accolades for how long they kept it going,” Boylan said.

The trio was unable to come to an agreement on the Kaufman House, and after the tourism bureau deal didn’t go through, a member of the borough council approached Boylan to ask if he was still interested.

“I said ‘yes,’ and went from there,” Boylan said.

Boylan said refurbishing the basement and first floor will be his top priority, as he already has a restaurateur who will lease the building, He would not divulge who the lessee is or what type of restaurant the Kaufman House will be once it opens.

“I want to get that restaurant back in gear,” Boylan said.

He said the second and third floor will be prepared for code enforcement inspection and largely left alone.

“I doubt very much it’s going to be a hotel,” Boylan said.

He does not know at this time what the total cost of the renovation project will be.

“It’s going to be a considerable investment,” Boylan said. “I think the borough is relieved and I am happy to take on this project.”

Pepe said in the release that the deal is a good one for everyone,

“We are very excited to see the realization of the Butler County tourism office, the Zelienople Borough Council and the Butler County Commissioners come to pass to protect and reopen the Kaufman House for the long-term benefit to the borough and Butler County,” Pepe said.

“This could not be done without the concerted efforts and cooperation of all three primary entities, as well as for the vision of Patrick Boylan, as we move forward,” he said.