The familiar landmark on Route 15 just west of Johnson village has stood empty for nearly three years, but roofers, carpenters and other tradespeople have begun to resurrect the Long Trail Tavern.

The tavern’s new Facebook page pictures are now posted, chronicling the extensive amount of work being done to the interior of the bar, which involves both structural and cosmetic changes.

New owners Garth Cross and Scott Mansfield hope to reopen the local roadhouse, known as the LT, by the beginning of summer.

The LT has long been a staple for Johnson and Lamoille County residents, providing cheap drinks, inexpensive food and live entertainment for nearly half a century.

The Tavern was built and run in the mid-late 1960s by Buddy and Linda Jones, who lived in a trailer in the back field. It changed hands in 1978, when Norm and Judy Cotner bought the tavern, which they operated for about 10 years until selling the building and business to Albert and Sheryl Arsenault. Arsenault ran the bar until the late 2000s, and then it closed.

Shortly thereafter, Amy and Steve Jones leased the building with Billy Mossinghoff running the kitchen and Jeremy Corkins running the bar. It closed again in 2010.