POSTINGS

ext month, Jackies Fifth Amendment, a longstanding Park Slope bar, will closedue not to increasing rents but rather its owners declining health and his familys reluctance to take over. Famed for its $10 bucket of beers, Jackies will join a long and distinguished list of watering holesmany of them dive barsthat have faded from service, gracefully or not, as property values continue to climb across the city. The Commercial Observer profiles a few of the most notable.

Dives Take a Dive

Maxwells 1039 Washington Street, Hoboken Closed: 2013 This New Jersey club, which closed last month, played host to bands including R.E.M and Nirvana. So significant was Maxwells influence, its closing was noted in The New York Times, Rolling Stone and other prominent publications. According to accounts at the time of closing, owner Todd Abramson decided to shutter the club in early 2013 in part due to Hobokens changing demographics.

P.J. Hanleys 449 Court Street, Brooklyn Closed: 2013 P.J. Hanleys, founded as Ryans in the late 19th century, had long laid claim to the title of Brooklyns oldest bar. However, the establishment declared bankruptcy earlier this year, blaming the value of rents at the property. Owner James McGown was being charged $6,000 per month against a market rate of $20,000, he claimed.

Liquor Store 235 West Broadway Closed: 2005 Once, believe it or not, an actual liquor store, this Tribeca bar is now home to a J.Crew mens store of the same name. It was, New York magazine noted, the only preserved landmark townhouse in the city zoned for the sale and distribution of alcohol.

Max Fish 178 Ludlow Street Closed: 2013 Lower East Side staple Max Fish closed late last month after the bars landlord offered to renew its lease for $20,000 per month. Owner Ulli Rimkus balked at the increase and opted instead to open a second incarnation of the bar in Williamsburg.

Mars Bar 25 East First Street Closed: 2011 The once-gritty East Village has lost a number of squalid hangouts to gentrification, including Mars Bar, which closed in 2011. Earlier this year The Commercial Observer reported the possibility that a future tenant at 25 East First Street could assume the bars name and liquor license. Stay tuned.

Cedar Tavern 82 University Place Closed: 2006 Founded in 1866, Cedar Tavern found a home at several different addresses throughout the city, including on Cedar Street. The bar played host to many legendary New York artists and writers, including Jackson Pollock and Jack Kerouac, but was closed in 2006 to accommodate the construction of new condominiums.

18|AUGUST 20, 2013|COMMERCIAL OBSERVER