Church Street Bar may close its doors in the next year to make way for a new construction project near uptown Oxford.
According to Alan Kyger, Oxford's economic development director, plans for new apartments above the current Church Street Bar were submitted to Oxford's Historic and Architectural Preservation Commission, with the initial plans winning approval from the commission.
However Kyger said the city needs more time to review the plans before they are finalized for future construction.
"There are no final plans yet for the new apartments or for Church Street Bar," Matt Rodbro, owner of Church Street Bar, said. "Its in the Uptown District so under the new apartments will continue to be commercial space."
Rodbro said Red Brick Management will the developing the property.
Kyger said anything built in the uptown area of Oxford is required to devote the first floor to commercial space, with only a few exceptions.
"A rule was changed three years ago allowing businesses to remodel and rebuild uptown spaces with more than three apartments," Kyger said.
As for the future of Church Street Bar, Kyger said he thinks Rodbro-who owns the liquor permit-would reopen the bar in either the same or a new location.
However, Rodbro said he is still unsure as to what he will do with the bar.
Rodbro said he is entertaining the idea of Church Street Bar possibly relocating to Poplar Street, with the back of the bar still facing Church Street.
Students were upset that yet another local hangout could be leaving.
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"I was already upset about Lottie Moon's closing and this is just another disappointment," said senior Greg Holger, a frequent visitor of the bar.
At the moment, Rodbro said he is more focused on other construction projects.
"There are still a lot of unknowns," Rodbro said. "Construction could possibly begin in May, June or July, but nothing is finalized for the outcome of Church Street Bar or the apartments above that location yet."
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