The former Christina's Pub at 200 N. Main St. will soon house Butler's newest pizza shop.

Vince Tavolario, owner of Natili's and Natili's North restaurants in Butler, is one of the first recipients of a pair of facade grants intended to beautify the building's exterior.

"Right now, we're talking about a gourmet pizza shop," Tavolario said. "This pizza was my mother's recipe when I was a kid. I can't seem to sell enough of it from Natili's North."

He received $7,500 from the Redevelopment Authority of Butler, provided by a federal Community Development Block Grant, and $5,000 from Butler Downtown, provided by a state Department of Community and Economic Development grant.

"Mr. Tavolario received a bit more than most facade grant recipients because he has a corner building and has to update two facades," said Becky Smith, Butler's Main Street program manager.

Tavolario contributed $15,000 of his own money toward the facade improvements, $2,500 more than was required by the matching grants.

Improvements are already taking place at the building, which is next door to Natili's North. The bricks have been repainted a rust red, replacing the faded pink-and-purple walls that existed, and the interior is being renovated from floor to ceiling.

The windows remain boarded over, but Tavolario said new doors, windows and awnings have been ordered.

He said the shop likely will be a pick-up operation, but if tables are installed, seating will be limited.

The shop will offer white, vegetarian, pesto and Sicilian-style pizzas in addition to traditional pies, with the possibility of sandwiches or subs being on the menu.

It will keep a staff of four to six employees and Tavolario said he would like to be open for business some time this summer.