The Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission voted Thursday against a petition to demolish the Player’s Pub building. The building will now be forwarded to the city council to be considered for historic designation.
The decision, which had been postponed to let commission members consider both sides, was five to three against demolition. Commissioners voiced the need to keep at least the façade of the building because of the building’s history.
Besides being home to the Player’s Pub, the structure on South Walnut Street was built in 1926 by the Mitchell brothers, local developers in the early 1900’s. It was leased by Boxman’s Restaurant from the late 1920’s to the late 1950’s, an eatery that became beloved by many locals.
Josh Alley, the petitioner and property owner, talked about building’s poor condition and the high cost it would take to rehabilitate and preserve the building, money he says he doesn’t have.
Commission members and the public had mixed views on the proposed demolition. Many of the surrounding business and property owners were in favor of demolition to revitalize the area but others saw value in keeping the historic façade to maintain the street’s character.
