Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the Historic and Design Review Commission’s June 21 vote.
The Historic and Design Review Commission unanimously approved Wednesday moving the historic Boehler’s building, also known as the former Liberty Bar, and Rye House closer to the Pearl to the 900 block of Avenue A.
A move three years in the making, the former bar was lifted from its original spot for foundation repairs in December 2014. The iconic, leaning building has been waiting to be let down into place ever since. HDRC previously denied a similar move in May 2014.
Pearl owner and developer Silver Ventures wants to relocate and rehabilitate the buildings and construct additions to both. It has hired local firm Clayton & Little Architects to carry out the design work.
There are plans for a restored Pearl Brewery grain hopper to be added at the northeast corner of the block, where the Boehler’s building currently rests, according to documents submitted to HDRC. A surface parking lot has also been requested across the northern half of the lot.
The Boehler’s building, most recently known as Minnie’s Tavern prior to being purchased by Silver Ventures in 2014, is currently located at the intersection of East Josephine Street and Avenue A. Relocating the Boehler’s building would place the structure on Grayson Street.
The move will orient the building’s iconic wrap-around porch toward the public walkway and courtyard on East Grayson Street.
The Rye House will be moved less than 100 feet south of its current location, but its entrance will be moved inward towards a newly-created courtyard.
The Boehler’s building needs work on its facades and roof to restore it to its historic state.
One of the proposed additions is a pedestrian courtyard on the corner of Avenue A and Grayson Street. The 26-foot grain hopper salvaged from previous brewing usage at the Pearl will be placed at the northeast corner of the lot. The parking lot stretched across the northern part of the lot will feature landscaping elements similar to those found in and around the Pearl Brewery complex.
Silver Ventures officials still must submit more detailed plans for parking lot landscaping for final HDRC approval.
