Places that make Austin unique are being destroyed by big business interests, with their endless dollars for lobbying and buying out small businesses to put up monolithic towers that are as culturally antithetical to the spirit of Austin as they are tall,” he said.
“As we lose these spaces, we’re seeing the coming death of Austin’s cultural heart. He told the commission that the bar was a safe space that accepts all with open arms.
Though that designation might save the building, it will ultimately have to be approved by a supermajority of City Council should the landmark commission vote to recommend historic zoning at its May 4 meeting.Īidan Barriga, who is an employee of the Iron Bear, spoke against the demolition on behalf of the bar’s staff. With its fate far from certain, the proposed demolition of the warehouse that is home to Austin’s Iron Bear has been put on hold after the city’s Historic Landmark Commission initiated historic zoning on the structure.Īn outpouring of support for the beloved LGBTQ bar moved commissioners to move forward with designating the building at 301 W.
