Expect to see some major work going on here over the next few months.

A Preston Hollow resident is opening a new restaurant/bar near White Rock Lake.

The old Backyard Beach Bar will open next year as The Lot, a restaurant and bar across the street from White Rock Lake and along the Santa Fe Trail.

Managing partner John McBride says the property, located at 7530 E. Grand, is under heavy reconstruction to create a “unique but comfortable” space that is “welcoming to all.”

“We are going to be a few things in one. We will have a rockin’ bar, great food, areas for kids, games for adults, a music stage, and hopefully a bridge to the Santa Fe Trail.”

The Santa Fe Trail, which connects to White Rock Lake Trail and runs through East Dallas to Deep Ellum, is undergoing major improvements too, including a connection to Katy Trail. (Read our October 2012 story about that here in our East Dallas edition). Right now, a creek separates The Lot from the trail.

The Lot owners have enlisted Tei An designer Hatsumi Kuzuu to create an aesthetic, everyone-friendly place with a cozy, lived-in feel. Out back, they are getting rid of the pool, but the volleyball nets will likely remain.

McBride seems pretty pumped about the property’s potential.

“We are crazy-excited about the location—the green trees, the area, which is experiencing a transformation, and the people who live around here.”

Star chef Sharon Hage is developing the menu; she and the owners will start the tastings this week, McBride says.

McBride, a Preston Hollow resident, comes from the family who owns El Fenix. He spent many years working at the Casa Linda location, he says.

The other owners hail from the White Rock area, he says.

Because the place is undergoing such a major overhaul, they don’t expect to open until January, at least. This week they are submitting some designs to the city for approval.