Former general manager of the Alki Homestead, Chris Long, has signed a five-year lease to open a new neighborhood tavern called The Ship Wreck in the Admiral District, which will employ four of the former Homestead employees.

After the Homestead, famous for its fried chicken and family atmosphere, was shut down after a fire damaged the historic landmark on Jan. 16., co-owner Tom Lin said it was his goal to find work for the 10 employees left without work.

Lin said he wanted to be clear that the new bar, to be located on the 4200 block of Southwest Admiral Way across the street from the Metropolitan Market, is a temporary venture and a way to keep the Homestead employees together until he can re-open the Homestead.

He also wanted to make clear that he had no financial interest in the maritime-themed Ship Wreck. Long will be the owner while Lin acts as his advisor.

The menu at The Ship Wreck, which won't open until this fall, is yet to be determined.

"There won't be fried chicken, that's No. 1," said Lin.

The Ship Wreck will operate out of a 1,500-square-foot space where a Trader Joe's had been planned and where the TNT Tavern operated. Lin said the property owners were looking for a short term tenant until the economy turns around.

"We're very happy and the employees are very happy to be working together again," said Lin.

As for when the 100-year-old log structure the Homestead will re-open?

"That's another story," said Lin, but he reiterated that his plans are to re-open it.

He said he met recently with his architect Mark Fritch, who specializes in log cabin construction, and they took a walk-through of the restaurant, which experienced damage to its kitchen, dining room and roof. Lin said they plan to complete a full report soon as to what needs to be repaired.

West Seattle residents Johnny and Rose Zhu are in negotiations to buy the Homestead from Lin to operate the restaurant. Lin said that is still happening and that the Zhu's will be involved in the the restoration process.

Meanwhile, the Homestead has been named an endangered historic property by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. The Southwest Seattle Historical Society has also announced its advocacy for the protection and preservation of the Homestead.