Elbo Room to Close This Fall, Be Replaced with Condos

The rumors that have been flying for the past year have sadly proven to be true: the Mission's beloved Elbo Room confirmed that it will close this fall, and be knocked down for condos. Owners Matt Shapiro and Erik Cantu announced (via Facebook) that the condo project from building owners Dennis Ring and Susan Rokisky-Ring appears to be moving forward, which means that they will not be renewing the bar's lease, set to expire November 1, 2015.

Though the closure had been rumored for over a year, the decision is still a blow to the bar's owners, who say "[they] are in shock." Once their lease is up, the Rings (who, besides owning the building, were the original owners of the Elbo Room before selling it in 2010) plan to move forward with a five-story, nine-unit condo building with an allotment for commercial space on the ground floor. The Rings, who have lived in the neighborhood for over 40 years, see the development as a place where they can retire in their old age, while still living in the neighborhood they love. When plans were unveiled last November, the community backlash was immediate, with neighbors attempting to block the owners' plans based on the historical significance of the bar (which was previously a lesbian bar, Amelia's).

As community efforts have clearly failed, Cantu and Shapiro are hoping to relocate with as little disruption in Elbo Room's business as possible, taking the many parties and events that call it home along with them. They're currently looking for a space, so feel free to contact them with opportunities.