Former Liberty Bar loses the lean

Anchored by two masive blocks of concrete, the building formerly known as the Liberty Bar at 328 E. Josephine St. has lost most of it's famous lean during current renovation project. Friday, Oct. 3, 2014. Anchored by two masive blocks of concrete, the building formerly known as the Liberty Bar at 328 E. Josephine St. has lost most of it's famous lean during current renovation project. Friday, Oct. 3, 2014. Photo: BOB OWEN, San Antonio Express-News Photo: BOB OWEN, San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 71 Caption Close Former Liberty Bar loses the lean 1 / 71 Back to Gallery

A San Antonio icon known for its trademark tilt leans no more.

The vacant, boarded up 1890s home at 328 E. Josephine St., most recently Minnie’s Tavern & Rye House, and once was the former Liberty Bar and Boehler’s Bar & Grille, appears to be standing up a little taller. Chain cables that are attached to the structure have pulled the leaning building nearly back in place, as part of its current renovation.

The Pearl’s owner, Silver Ventures, purchased the building earlier this year and has been restoring it for use as an event space or for a future food and beverage establishment, according to a May report in the San Antonio Express-News.

Initially, Silver Ventures wanted to move the two-story building about 300 yards south to 618 Avenue A, but the plans were shot down in May by the Historic Design and Review Commission. Still, the company said that the building’s history and location made the renovation project, expected to cost more than $1 million, worthwhile.

The building was opened in the 1890s by Fritz Boehler, a former brewmaster at the Pearl Brewery. Through the years, the building also has been used as a saloon, boarding house and general store.

For more about the stabilization project, check out Benjamin Olivo's report on Express-News.com.

ezavala@express-news.net

Twitter: @elizabeth2863