Complex owner Leslie Hidy, who also owns The Mug & Jug Tavern, 1213 Mitchell Blvd., said the land may be used to build a parking lot or a new patio. The complex has three other businesses — Bell’s Nails, Nice Cuts Barber Shop and New Image Styling Center.
“We’re not sure what we’re going to do with it yet,” Hidy said.
The city has maintained the land between the tavern and the baseball stadium for many years, said Tom Franzen, assistant city manager and director of economic development.
They had also leased a portion of the land to one of the bar’s previous owners for a patio. The new owners had inquired about extending the lease, Franzen said, but the city opted to try and sell the land instead.
The city spent more money on taxes and maintaining the land than the bar did on lease payments, Franzen said. The negotiations took about six months, Franzen said.
“It made sense for us to dispose of a piece of property that was really underutilized,” Franzen said.
The Tavern has been at its current location since about 1965 and has had eight different owners, Hidy said. She has owned the bar for the past five years.
With three other businesses located in the same complex as the bar, Hidy said parking can be a problem.
Hidy said it could take up to a year before any improvements are made.
Franzen said it was also a good opportunity to help a local business.
“We were happy to facilitate them growing and doing well,” Franzen said. “We were happy to be able to accommodate them.”
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