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Historic Fresno House Transformed into Trendy Hangout Spot
Moses McQueen's, a new restaurant and bar, opens in downtown Fresno after years of renovation work on a historic property.
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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A group of Fresno locals, including Phillip Kliewer and the Arambula family, have transformed a historic 1915 duplex in downtown Fresno into a new restaurant, bar, and hangout space called Moses McQueen's. The team carefully preserved the original architectural details of the home, known as the Elia Home, while adding modern touches and a retro-inspired design. The new establishment features a backyard area, a food trailer serving Caribbean-soul inspired bar fare, and a drink menu of classic cocktails and beers on tap.
Why it matters
The preservation and repurposing of this historic Fresno property highlights the city's efforts to revitalize its downtown area and celebrate its local history and culture. Moses McQueen's aims to become a new community gathering spot that pays homage to Fresno's past while offering a unique dining and drinking experience.
The details
The Moses McQueen's team, which includes Phillip Kliewer and his wife Kristen along with friends Miguel, Diego and Chandelle Arambula, bought the Elia Home property in 2017. The two-story duplex, built in 1915, was in poor condition when they acquired it, requiring extensive renovation work to meet modern commercial building codes. The interior was completely gutted and rebuilt to match the original aesthetic, with details like dark hardwood floors, pocket doors, and custom-made features like hand-pressed adobe pavers in the backyard. The design of Moses McQueen's was inspired by Disneyland, with intentional 'spatial surprises' and attention to detail throughout the space.
- The Elia Home property was purchased by the Moses McQueen's team in 2017.
- After over 5 years of renovation work, Moses McQueen's is set to open in downtown Fresno later this month (March 2026).
The players
Phillip Kliewer
One of the founders of Moses McQueen's, who led the planning and design of the new restaurant and bar space.
Kristen Kliewer
Phillip Kliewer's wife and co-founder of Moses McQueen's.
Miguel Arambula
One of the friends of the Kliewers who is a co-founder of Moses McQueen's.
Diego Arambula
Another co-founder of Moses McQueen's and friend of the Kliewers.
Chandelle Arambula
The fourth co-founder of Moses McQueen's and part of the Arambula friend group.
What they’re saying
“It's attention to detail and spacial surprises.”
— Phillip Kliewer (The Fresno Bee)
“All of us kind of grew up in historic parts of Fresno.”
— Miguel Arambula, Co-founder, Moses McQueen's (The Fresno Bee)
What’s next
Moses McQueen's is scheduled to officially open to the public later this month after completing its extensive renovation work on the historic Elia Home property.
The takeaway
The transformation of the Elia Home into Moses McQueen's demonstrates Fresno's commitment to preserving its architectural heritage while also fostering the development of new, community-focused businesses that celebrate the city's history and culture.
