The Eagle Bar in Austin Closes After Lift Incident

News Summary

Austin’s LGBTQ+ friendly bar, The Eagle, has closed its doors unexpectedly following a lift mishap that caused significant damage. The incident, which occurred when a rented lift toppled, led to broken walls and utility outages, prompting the bar to cease operations while repairs are underway. Despite the circumstances, the community is coming together to support The Eagle and its staff during this challenging time.

Austin’s Beloved Queer Bar, The Eagle, Shuts Doors Following Lift Mishap

The vibrant city of Austin is feeling a sudden chill as one of its cherished queer bars, The Eagle, faces an unexpected closure. This popular hotspot, known for its warm embrace of the LGBTQ+ community, had to down tools after a mechanical lift went haywire earlier this week.

What Happened?

On a seemingly ordinary Tuesday, a lift rented by a contractor working at a nearby post office for changing outdoor lighting took a turn for the worse. The lift toppled backward while on a slope, crashing into the building that The Eagle calls home, located at 8201 Cross Park Dr. This unfortunate incident not only impacted the bar but also the adjacent pizza joint, Local Slice II.

Extent of the Damage

The impact from the reckless lift was no small matter. It broke an exterior wall, obliterated some electrical breaker boxes, and ruptured a water line, leaving The Eagle without power and water. Can you imagine? A bar without its essentials! Initially, the staff thought the place was up in flames due to a mix-up during a phone call, but thankfully, no fire occurred.

Temporary Closure and Future Uncertainty

With the damage done, The Eagle has been forced to cease operations for the time being. The bar’s landlords stated they expect repairs to wrap up by the end of the week, but the bar’s co-owner, Luis Surratt, isn’t so sure that timeline is realistic. Given the extent of the damage, it might even mean relocating from their beloved address.

This closure comes on the heels of the bar’s recent success, having just celebrated its second birthday in March with a wildly popular party. March was, in fact, one of their best months since first opening their doors. However, now with repairs looming, the future looks precarious.

Keeping the Spirit Alive

In the meantime, the resourceful team at The Eagle has done what it can to minimize spoilage. They have rented generators to keep food and drinks safe while working closely with the city for a temporary power fix. Despite these efforts, it is estimated that the incident could cost the bar a staggering $30,000 in total damages, including equipment rental and lost business. Unfortunately, their insurance won’t cover these costs since they aren’t at fault, and they are relying on the landlord’s insurance to come into play.

Support for Staff

As the dust settles, Surratt has pledged that employees will still receive their paychecks on Friday, a small relief amidst the chaos. If the bar remains closed longer than anticipated, a community-backed fundraiser may be on the horizon to help support the staff. Feedback suggests there is an eagerness within the community to create a GoFundMe campaign if things drag on.

A Call to the Community

The Eagle has cultivated a loyal following thanks to its commitment to inclusivity, creating a space where everyone can feel welcome and accepted. As they prepare for repairs, the owners are looking ahead, hoping to rally the community to support them once they reopen. They want folks to return, fill the place with laughter, and bring back the joy that The Eagle has stood for in their two glorious years.

So keep your eyes peeled, Austin! While this queer bar faces a tough moment, its spirit is far from extinguished. The team is looking to bounce back stronger than ever with the help of its beloved patrons. When the time comes to reopen, let’s all show up to cheer them on!

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Additional Resources

• Lonely Planet: Gay Travel in Austin
• Wikipedia: LGBT rights
• TimeOut: Gay Bars and LGBTQ Nights in Austin
• Google Search: Austin LGBTQ community
• Austin Chronicle: Lavender Thug Talks Returning to Event Organizing
• Google Scholar: LGBTQ support communities
• CBS Austin: Idaho Bar Controversy During Pride Month
• Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBTQ history
• Austin Chronicle: Qmmunity – We’re All In This Together
• Google News: Austin Texas LGBTQ events