Now it may have to find a new home again. for nearly nine years, but was ultimately not offered a renewal on that lease. Before that, the bar had operated out of 121 W. “Although I think this particular building doesn’t have much of a chance to (be preserved), I think that everyone needs to hear the importance of these gathering places.” The gay and lesbian community kept downtown alive when it was dying, and kept it alive in the warehouse districts,” Commissioner Kevin Koch said. “We’re losing all of our warehouses downtown – the warehouses where people gather, people of all sorts. The demolition permit sparked debate over the building’s architectural character, historic significance and community value during February’s Historic Landmark Commission meeting. A permit to demolish the bar’s West Sixth location is currently being reviewed by the city.
The Iron Bear, an LGBTQ-friendly bar “for bears, by bears” that is open to all, is facing the prospect of relocating.
