A Whittier bar and restaurant isn't going anywhere, at least not any time soon, even though a sign on the window seems to suggest otherwise.
The government notice posted on a window at Whittier Pub is a "certificate of demolition eligibility." Jon Hauser, who owns the business at 28th Avenue and Race Street, told Denverite he has "zero intent" to remove the neighborhood staple. He's not interested in demolishing the brick building that it's in, either, he said. Hauser owns the half-block-long commercial building that houses the pub as well as two other businesses.
It's all kind of convoluted:
Hauser asked for a review of the building, which M&D's Cafe called home for more than 30 years, and its potential to be considered "historic" by city government standards. He wants to refinance, he said, and its historic status affects the real estate's value. Earning (or not) the ability to demolish it will give Hauser a more accurate view of his property's value, he said.
If someone wants to initiate the landmark designation process, they'll have to file paperwork with the city by Feb. 6. If no one files that paperwork, the property owner will earn the right to demolish the structure without further review by the planning department for five years.
But Hauser reiterates that doesn't mean the building will be demolished.
Customers have called him wondering about the demolition application, which he said is "frustrating" given his intent for the space.
This article was updated to correct the deadline to file a landmark designation request, which is Feb. 6, not Feb. 4.
