Ocean Prime opening Sept. 3

Ocean Prime - a swellegant, high-end steak/seafooder - has set a Sept. 3 opening date for its first East Coast location, in the former Roy's at 15th and Sansom Streets. This will be location number 10.

Ocean Prime's overall look is modern supper club, but when owner Cameron Mitchell and general manager Marc Oppen toured the World War II-era building, they were astounded at the history inside and out.

"You don't see too many red-brick buildings in this part of town. It stands out a little," said Oppen, previously GM of Route 6 after stops at Maggiano's Little Italy and Bonefish Grill.

The plaster work and other old-time finishes were worked into the plan, as were the dramatic curved arch windows. This required the hiring of craftsmen in addition to construction workers. (The facade's brick work, inexplicably chewed up by the building's previous owners, has been restored.)

Ocean Prime - which will seat 260 on the main floor and a balcony - will fulfill its "modern" mission by way of a dramatic onyx lighting sculpture over the main dining room.