The building located at the corner of Eight Street and Fairmount Avenue has not been occupied in recent years. City officials are working with the building’s owner to find a buyer willing to renovate for a new business. P-J photo by Dennis Phillips

City officials are working to save a building located at the corner of West Eighth Street and Fairmount Avenue that has been known by many names through the years.

The building most recently was known as Spirits Bar & Grill, but, through the years, it has also been where Sky Bar and Joyce’s Keg Room was located. According to Judy Fish-Marshall, her grandfather, John E. Fish Sr., owned the building and started Fish’s Cafe. She said her father, John E. Fish Jr., then purchased the building, continuing to operate a local restaurant and bar.

In recent years, no business has operated out of the building and there is concern that it might need to be torn down. Crystal Surdyk, city development director, said she is working with the building’s owner to find someone to purchase and renovate the building so a businesses could operate there once again.

“The owner has not filed an application for a demolition permit at this point. I have been in contact with them and the desire is to sell the building if possible,” she said. “Demolition is a last resort, but the owner has not successfully been able to find a buyer to date, and as time goes on, the building does become an increasing liability for the owner. My department is working with them to identify a buyer with the hopes of redeveloping the building and site to compliment the other activity in that area.”

Surdyk said the building does need significant investment, which makes it more challenging to find a potential buyer.

“I am hopeful that we will find someone who wants to preserve this piece of our community’s heritage story, has a vision for what it could be and is willing and financially able to invest,” she said.

Surdyk said the building is in a great location near several attractions like the Riverwalk bike trail, the future skate park and McCrea Point Park.

“(It’s also near) The Resource Center’s facility and future home of the Edgewater Art House at 712 W. Eighth,” she said.

According to the website edgewaterarthouse.com, Edgewater Art House is the next development of The Resource Center’s growing art program. Edgewater Art House will be situated on the waterfront of the Chadakoin River on Eighth Street, adjacent to the Riverwalk and across from McCrea Point Park. The location is frequented by people traveling the walking paths, boating and fishing on the lake and using the park for recreation. The location will allow indoor/outdoor classes to be held on a patio overlooking the waterfront. The Edgewater Art House will include many opportunities for art classes including painting, drawing, mixed media and ceramics. A gallery space will allow those participating in the art classes to have an opportunity to showcase their art.