Re-Bar Owners Hope to Turn Building into Historic Landmark to Avoid the Wrecking Ball

The cranes are coming.

Sponsored Library Curbside Pickup Service is Now Available! Place holds online, then schedule a time to pick up at select locations by mobile app or phone.

Re-bar is inching towards a precarious position. As construction cranes transform South Lake Union at break-neck speed, the dive bar/music venue hybrid, a beloved haven for nostalgic grunge-heads, poets, and people pushed out of Seattle's shrinking gayborhood; may soon be swallowed whole.

"When I look at the neighborhood and what's happening here, I realize that the neighborhood is now zoned for 40 story buildings," says Michael Manahan, who took over as Re-bar's owner in 2012.

In a recent interview with The Seattle Weekly, Manahan predicted that his landlord, Diamond Parking, would sell Re-bar's building in the next five years because of skyrocketing property values. He believes he and his business partner, Dane Garfield Wilson, would have that much time because of lengthy permitting process and because the building hasn't been sold.

Manahan says he and Wilson, plan to apply for historic landmark status for the 26-year-old business in attempt to ensure Re-bar survives downtown development projects.

"To me, there are aspects of the culture and community that happen at Re-bar that are unique to the place. There are things that have happened at Re-bar that are kind of stalwarts of Seattle culture," he says. "I don't think anyone can imagine Dina Martina not being at Re-bar. They kind of go together. ... These are things that go beyond Dane's and my ownership."

David Maimon, asset manager for Diamond Parking, told The Stranger that the company had no plans to sell or redevelop the property. He did not provide further comments.

Although his landlord has reassured him the property isn't up for sale, Manahan isn't convinced.

"Keeping a single-story building that's built in the 30s, it's not a good business move for them," he says. "Given nature of contract and permits around the building, there's probably six, 40-story buildings going up within a block radius."

Because of this, Manahan and Wilson are "scrambling" to apply for historic building status and get a coveted bronze landmark plaque. Applications are reviewed by the Landmark Preservation Board, which is operated through the city's Department of Neighborhoods (DON).

If a developer were to buy the property, Manahan believes—even if Re-Bar was forced to be torn down—the new building owner would be pressed to allow the venue to reopen in the new digs. DON officials were not able to comment on Manhan's claim at the time of publication.

"We would try to negotiate with the new building owner or try to move, but both of those seem pretty far-fetched," he says. Being recognized as a historic building "is more of a bargaining chip to ensure the future of Re-bar and its heritage."

After all, how could you destroy the building Nirvana was thrown out of during their own album release party?