posted 05/17/10 11:46 AM | updated 05/17/10 05:31 PM
Views: 4484 | Comments : 19 | Food & Drink

The Roanoke loses its lease, on the hunt for new location - UPDATE

By jseattle
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Can the north end of 10th Ave by Roanoke Park exist without The Roanoke? Can The Roanoke exist without Roanoke Park? We just received this sad news from owner Chris Price:


Roanoke - Seattle, WA
Originally uploaded by davereid2

We own the Roanoke on the north end of the Hill.  We are losing our lease, after 15 years.  The landlord offered to renew it, providing we were willing to pay $900 more a month.  Completely absurd. 

Price said that her landlord came back a few days later with news that the 2409 10th Ave E building has been sold and the new owner wants The Roanoke out. She says the bar tavern has until July 31 but that the hunt is on for a new home on the Hill.

"The farther you go up the Hill, it gets expensive," Price said. "But we're looking."

Tidbit Bistro announced last week it would be moving uphill to Broadway and Union after three years just up the street from The Roanoke at 10th and Miller.

CHS also recently compiled this list of open Hill retail and restaurant spaces. If you have a suggestion for Price, drop her mail at cprice@msandorffy.com. You can also stay in touch by liking The Roanoke's Facebook page.

UPDATE:
It's proving difficult to learn much about the sale of the property. The current land owner is registered to an address in a Seattle retirement home and we haven't yet learned the identity of the buyer. We can tell you the current land owner came into control of the property way back in 1992. County records say the 1,800 square-foot building was constructed in 1921.

CHS has learned that the two parcels south of The Roanoke's current home were sold in March to a real estate company. Both properties were previously owned by a Lynwood-based bank.

Got a tip? CHS@capitolhillseattle.com 

Add Your Comment ( 19 )
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No!
This is terrible news. The Roanoke is the best place on the hill (the whole city?) to watch a game, get a good beet, and eat reasonably priced, tasty food. Not to mentioned the patio with ping-pong.

Ugh.
Comment by Dan
May 17, 2010
Roanoke
For those of you who want to keep in the loop, friend us on Facebook - Roanoke Park Place.
Comment by Chris
May 17, 2010
Boo!
I love this place!! Where else can you get $1 tacos AND $1 PBR?!!
Comment by SarahSeattle
May 17, 2010
Seems to be a trend
This is the third story I've heard about long-term tenants being kicked out of their buildings due to landlords raising rents---in the middle of one of the biggest recessions of recent memory? What on earth ar these people thinking? Wouldn't someone want a reliable, long-time tenant like the Roanoke, or Tilden on 15th, over taking a chance in an environment where so much retail space is sitting empty?

And I used to live at 11th and Miller, for years, and I will be sad to see the Roanoke go away. Hope they can find a new home that suits them!
Comment by seattlekps
May 17, 2010
RE: Seems to be a trend
Even with the economy there has been a flurry of new businesses opening on Capitol Hill over the last couple of years.
Comment by --
May 17, 2010
NO!!
That's literally the worst thing I've heard in forever, on a Monday no less. This is my favorite bar in the city. In the world, for that matter. Sigh.
Comment by SarahJ
May 17, 2010
Perhaps CCs could move there
Sad to hear about the Roanoke getting booted. Greedy landlord!

Since CC Attles is also looking for a new location with a deck/patio, perhaps they'd consider this space, tho I also heard that they may have found something nearby where they are now.
Comment by James
May 17, 2010
move to Mad Valley
...and allow some live music + sports and the neighborhood will welcome you with open arms. Your current landlords are foolish, but you already know that. Good luck!
Comment by chris
May 17, 2010
Ugh
bummmer
Comment by matt nice
May 17, 2010
Keep it in N. Capitol hill
It would be great to move it to the Tidbits location (if that works for the 'Noke's owners). Then, if a new bar opens in the old location it would mercifully go OOB in a hurry. Hang in there Chris and Jeff!
Comment by "Norm"
May 17, 2010
RE: Keep it in N. Capitol hill
I've heard Tidbit is working on a sale, and I think that space might be a bit small in the front...
Comment by Chris
May 17, 2010
Raise funds?
Chris,

Would you consider raising money for the extra $10,800 per year? I bet you could find enough passionate Roanoke fans who would be willing to get you all the way there or most of the way there to $10k. I'm thinking of a PayPal account as well as a barrel in the Noke.

That's a facking gouge. $900 more per month. Pisses me off and I don't even own the place. :)
Comment by Craig
May 17, 2010
RE: Raise funds?
It's an interesting idea, but I'd rather people save that money to spend in our new location and not give another red cent to the landlord. As for the update above, as far as I know, the sale has not closed, thus the lack of information. I have not been told who it is.
Comment by Chris
May 17, 2010
RE: Raise funds?
This is sad news indeed, but don't give up and if you need inspiration check out the story of the Kingfish Cafe and Pub in Oakland:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/30/
Comment by HillExpat
May 19, 2010
What awful news.
First Tidbit leaving and now this. There's not going to be much left of the neighborhood at this rate. Quite a loss for the north end.

Well, at least we still have Huiyona, which is nothing to sneeze at.
Comment by Bcampbell
May 17, 2010
Oh No!
This is horrible news! I was just working on the website to keep the 'Noke up-to-date!!! The Roanoke is is the BEST thing about this neighborhood!

Where else can you play pong, and drink beer, and meet people that are friendly in Seattle! And the staff is top-notch!

I really hope that people pull together and save this pub. Every neighborhood needs its local pub!

First, our local mom-and-pop store turns into a pilates place, now they take away our public house... shame...

What is a neighborhood then, if you have no place to meet the neighbors?

-Rae
Comment by Rachael
May 17, 2010
Roanoke
I'll miss the Roanoke.
Comment by johnny88
May 18, 2010
Soooo SAD!!
I love the Roanoke! The best smoking patio in all of Seattle and Ping Pong!! Whaaaaaaa!! This is a true loss for this neighborhood!
Comment by Pinkyloo
May 19, 2010
Like sands through the hour glass
Tragic. I wish the owner well on an new endeavor will support the establishment. Can't help but think though how is it the Roanoke Pub if it is moved to central Cap Hill or a similar location? What makes it what it is is the building, the location etc. I go there to get away from Cap Hill hipster doofuses and the Fri/Sat. bridge and tunnel crowds. That is getting harder and harder to do.
Comment by T.
May 28, 2010