AUSTIN, Texas — Staff at The Iron Bear, an LGBTQ+ bar in Downtown Austin, are fighting to prevent its demolition.
On Thursday, the City of Austin confirmed that it has received a request to demolish the building, which sits at 301 W. Sixth St. The request was submitted by the Drenner Group, which is representing the building's owner, Sixth & Lavaca 2018 LP.
This Historic Landmark Commission considered the potential demolition on Monday.
"The only way in which demolition of an important building can be prevented is through landmark designation; otherwise an owner is entitled to a demolition permit," said Jeff Patterson with Austin's Housing and Planning Department. "The Historic Preservation Office reviews proposed demolitions of buildings over 45 years of age and refers those that may be historically significant to the Historic Landmark Commission for consideration. The Commission may either release the demolition permit or determine the building meets the criteria for designation as a historic landmark. If this occurs, it becomes a zoning case and advances to the Planning Commission and City Council."
According to the spokesperson, landmark designation with a building owner's support is "exceedingly rare."
"Not only does it require that a building be individually important in Austin’s history, it also requires a supermajority vote (9 of 11 members) of both the Historic Landmark Commission and City Council," said Patterson.
While the spokesperson said the building's association with The Iron Bear is too recent to be considered under the criteria for landmark designation, City staff will continue researching the property further.
"We appreciate any leads from the community on the building for associations over 50 years old that may not appear in directories or newspaper archives," Patterson said.
Research that City officials have compiled to date has been posted online here.
"The city has granted us this time to gather information and organize the arguments that this is a historical building and that our bar is a safe space and is an essential part to the LGBTQIA+ community," The Iron Bear wrote on Instagram this week. "Please help spread the word on this issue. We will post with updates as we receive more information regarding the matter. Thanks again! We love you all!"
The bar was formerly located at 121 West Eighth St., before moving to its current station in early 2020.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: