The owners of Coconut Club and Neon Grotto did not testify, but released a statement saying they “feel confident they have sufficient time to plan their next steps” and “are happy to see a vital institution remain in its historic location.” These massive increases encumber the tenants and will not stop.” “This property tax was $75,000 in 2012 and is now $260,000 per year. “Property tax authorities designated this as a potential high-rise area in early 2017, and began raising the taxes accordingly,” said Michael Girard, who runs Speakeasy on Congress Avenue and is one of the landowners along the proposed development. “We need the leverage of allowing density on our side to ensure we can stay and keep Fourth Street alive.” “Oilcan Harry’s will not be able to stay on Fourth Street if the building is deemed historic,” managing member Scott Neal explained. Other proponents argued that economic pressures had made operating existing businesses virtually impossible, and that tenants Coconut Club and Neon Grotto had been aware of plans for development upon signing their lease agreements. “We have an opportunity here to be an example of a compassionate and sustainable approach to urban development,” Hanover partner David Ott said. In addition to re-creating the warehouse silhouette, the development will offer Oilcan Harry’s a refurbished home at a subsidized rent for the next 25 years (its current lease is set to expire in eight years). Proponents, including staff at the Historic Preservation Office, argued that the project presented a rare opportunity for developers and preservationists to collaborate on a real estate solution that would increase density while maintaining local character. The proposed design, which would replace the cluster of warehouses with a 40-floor mixed-use high rise, promises to reconstruct the facades along West Fourth Street with original materials to preserve its character.
“This does not by any means end the proposal, it just elevates it to a higher level where there are more options to consider and other levers to pull.”ĭeveloper Hanover Company has made headlines with its plans to demolish and reconstruct the swath of Fourth Street that is currently home to gay bars Oilcan Harry’s, Coconut Club and Neon Grotto. This is a very special place,” said Koch, who put forward the motion.
“I think this developer came forward in good faith … I just don’t think it should be a done deal. Between rounds of applause, Commissioner Kevin Koch reminded the evening’s victors that the case remained complicated. The Historic Landmark Commission hosted a lively public hearing Wednesday with a diverse cast of characters who had gathered to voice their opinions on the controversial redevelopment of Fourth and Colorado.Īfter compelling testimony from both supporters and those opposed, the landmark commission moved unanimously to initiate historic zoning of all properties within the proposed development.