At night the three dining rooms downstairs and two upstairs will be a degustation restaurant, if the plan is given a consent by Whanganui District Council.
Bookings will be required.
"The degustation restaurant at night will be appointment only, and if the dining rooms upstairs get consent then they will be for private dining only," he said.
"The view of the river from upstairs is phenomenal. It's as though you're sitting on the river. It's wonderful."
Though the outside of the building has been washed down, it won't be painted, Karl Austen said.
"It looks lovely as it is, old and slightly faded."
All of the trees and shrubs are being removed from the grounds to give a sense of clean green spaces.
"So the front white picket fence will now allow a clear, uninterrupted view of the river."
The new cafe and restaurant will be named 25 Somme Parade.
"Sounded good we thought ... 'meet you at 25 Somme'," he said.