The gutting and remodeling of Le Rêve Patisserie & Café has replaced the aroma of French pastries with the hearty smell of sawdust on Harwood Avenue.

People walking past the restaurant watched in disbelief as workers hustled and bustled around an unrecognizable dinning room. One customer drove all the way up from East Troy only to discover a construction site where one of her favorite restaurants used to be.

“I am so bummed,” said Marie Bacchus. "This was totally unexpected. I never thought before I left to check if it was under construction.”