Jesse and Amy Seager are bringing a version of the Point Brugge Cafe to Highland Park's Bryant Street, a point celebrated yesterday afternoon by a crowd of about 70 people who swelled into the street.

State Sen. Jim Ferlo, D-Highland Park, and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl were among those who stuck shovels into a bucketful of dirt in a lot that has been vacant for years, at Bryant and North St. Clair streets.

The business district has been waiting to jump to life. It has had a mix of restaurants but most didn't last long, and the street never gained traction. With a Tambellini's -- where La Foret used to be -- and the coming of Park Bruges Cafe, that may be changing.

East Liberty Development Inc. and the Highland Park Community Development Corp. have collaborated on a plan that includes the restaurant and a three-story in-fill construction beside it. It will include retail and flats.

"Our quality of life is going to increase exponentially," said Amy Enrico, owner of Tazza d'Oro, the coffee shop Mr. Ferlo said was the starting point of a little renaissance of neighborhood retail.

Mr. Seager said his friendship with Ms. Enrico convinced him to open a new place on Bryant.

Point Brugge Cafe on Reynolds Street in Point Breeze will remain. Mr. Seager said Park Bruges Cafe will open by the end of the year or early next year.