The Iron Bear moved from Eighth Street to Sixth Street in February 2020, just three weeks before the first shutdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic. If the commission recommends historic zoning to the city council at their May 4 meeting, the council will need a supermajority vote to approve the action. The Historic Landmark Commission’s action paused the proposed demolition.
Many in the queer community decried the proposed demolition of The Iron Bear, which led Austin’s Historic Landmark Commission to initiate historic zoning on the bar’s building. The Iron Bear, along with some other queer-friendly spaces on Fourth Street, may soon be demolished to make room for new developments going into the downtown area. It’s important to have spaces like what we are,” Beshear said. “The Iron Bear is place that catches the people that don’t really fit in the stereotypical gay mold. Bengie Beshear, a co-owner of the venue, describes it as welcoming to all types of gay men. AUSTIN, Texas - Nestled among skyscrapers in Austin’s booming downtown area is The Iron Bear, a beloved gay bar on West Sixth Street.
