CLEVELAND, Ohio - A storied piece of Tremont is for sale.

The Literary Cafe, a Tremont mainstay at 1031 Literary Road, was listed by Howard Hanna Real Estate Friday. "The Lit," as it is affectionately known, opened in 1990 and helped bring in the Tremont renaissance. Owners Linda Baldizzi and Andy Timithy were instrumental in getting the Art Walk off the ground, and to this day host art shows, drawing parties, book events and more.

"We've been there 26 yeas and we've loved it," says Baldizzi. "We still love it and we hope whoever buys it will have as many happy memories as we have. It was an exciting time to come to Tremont."

The Lit - which is open during the sale - is listed for sale at $499,000 with John Corral of Howard Hanna Real Estate's Cleveland City Office. "Offered for sale is the liquor license, one of Tremont's most storied bars, an incredible 2 bedroom second story flat, and a 20x25 backyard garden," says the listing. The building itself dates back to the pre-Civil War era, one of the oldest in Tremont.

The Lit has been more than a bar for the owners - and clientele, a mix of local regulars, artists, poets and assorted Tremonsters.

Baldizzi and Timithy married and raised three children in the bar. They also helped establish it as an epicenter of the Tremont arts community.

"We were both art students and we graduated with art degrees. We wanted a place where you could sell local artists' work and not take a commission. We had art shows even before Art Walk started, we always wanted original art on the walls.

"We've also had drawing clubs and poetry readings, and we just recently started a book club. This is not your regular sit and watch sports on the TV bar."

Baldizzi says the changing Tremont scene, from more of a gallery-centric to a foodie area, has not played a part in their decision. "I love the restaurants in this area," she says.

"It was exciting to be part of this urban pioneering that went on back then in Tremont," says Baldizzi. "There are so many people we met and grew to love over the years. Selling is not at all a rejection of that. There are a lot of reasons. It's just time for us to retire, we're going to try and find some place warm."

There is one thing that the Lit buyer won't get. A missing bar stool. But the story behind that only adds to the bar's value.

Robert DeNiro took it.

"This is a story told to us by several people when we moved in," says Baldizzi. "When Robert DeNiro was filming 'The Deer Hunter' in Tremont he used to come in here when it was called the Friendly Bar. He'd drink Rolling Rock and talk to Vietnam Vets from the area about their experiences so he could work them into his character. When he left he asked Barb (the previous owner) for the bar stool he sat on."

"Not many places offer such a rich history coupled with such untapped potential," says real estate agent Corral. "The nostalgia is heart warming, the presence of DeNiro, being one of the original catalysts of the Tremont Art walk, the poetry slams, the years of hosting the Tremont Pretentious Artist gatherings. Due to the owner's preference for limited hours, this isn't the sale of a business in decline, this is the sale of a business with untapped potential. "