LOWELL | When the Cornerstone Mansion Restaurant reopened in October after a December 2006 fire shuttered the popular dining spot for 10 1/2 months, the owners were greeted by grateful patrons.

"People overwhelmed us. Really," said Kay Bennett, who owns the establishment with her daughter, Beth Mauk.

Bennett admitted they worried the prolonged closing would have a negative effect.

"They say everything happens for a reason. If you look for it, there is good that comes," Bennett said.

With damage to every area but the kitchen, the 136-year-old landmark got a face-lift and now sports a red exterior, a new roof and new floors.

Bennett and Mauk elected to install a commercial kitchen while they were in remodeling mode.

"Actually, the fire ended up being a good thing. We got to put our personalities into the home," Mauk said.

Bennett agreed that the fire opened up redecorating possibilities.

"It gave me the opportunity to dress this home the way I wanted it to be dressed," she said. "I wanted to be faithful to the details in the house. There was damage to the walls, but the woodwork survived."

The dining areas have been given the appearance of more space through subtle decor changes.

When the Cornerstone Mansion reopened, Bennett and Mauk eliminated the breakfast hours and to opened for dinner. It was a change the due had discussed prior to the fire.

The fare, however, remains upscale, eclectic American with nearly everything made in-house using fresh ingredients. Bennett does all the baking except for the pretzel rolls.

In addition to her kitchen duties, Bennett selects the menus and handles promotions, while Mauk is the office manager and bookkeeper, as well as server.

Bennett, a retired interior designer, said she is living her dream. When she and her husband, Lonnie, moved to Lowell 38 years ago, Bennett said she pointed to the town's Victorian homes and said that she wanted to buy one and start a restaurant.

With the reopening, Bennett and Mauk are already dreaming of adding outdoor dining and possibly a gift shop.

"This is my passion," Bennett said. "To me, I have invited you into my home. I want to spoil you a little bit, because you're my friend."