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The Mine Tavern’s owners say they plan on rebuilding after a partial collapse 

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ATHENS, Ohio – The owners of the Mine Tavern in Nelsonville are moving forward with plans to reopen the restaurant after a partial building collapse.  

The Mine Tavern is blocked by police tape after a partial wall collapse.
The Mine Tavern’s owners say they want the restaurant to continue being a Nelsonville staple, despite the partial collapse. [Haley Richardson | WOUB]
Early Sunday morning, one of the Mine’s brick walls partially crumbled, causing the building to lean to one side. Several neighboring businesses were forced to close, including FullBrooks Cafe, the Dew House and Rhapsody Restaurant. Ten Dew House residents were relocated to a hotel in Athens. No injuries were reported from the collapse.  

On Monday, the city released the official structural condition assessment concluding that the Mine is “an immediate and significant collapse hazard.”  

The report said the building could suffer further collapse: “The compromised north wall, unsupported floor and roof framing, and deteriorated east and west masonry walls create a high risk of progressive structural failure.” 

Until repairs are completed, the Mine and nearby businesses will remain closed.  

While the cause of the collapse is still unknown, stabilization operations are already underway.  

Manager Patrick Norway and his parents, Ron and Becky Norway, own the Mine. The restaurant has been a Nelsonville staple since it first opened in 1842. It has had several owners throughout its 184-year history.  

The Norway family posted on the Mine’s Facebook page saying they have no intention of permanently closing shop.  

“We are not quitters and will be back stronger than ever,” the post read. 

In the days since the collapse, Patrick Norway told WOUB the response from the community has been “unreal.” 

“Thankfully we’ve had great community support that’s coming together and doing fundraisers for us, and hopefully with the insurance, we can get it back to what it was,” Norway said.  

Because of the Mine’s location and status as a historical building, Norway said he expects a high cost for repairs, although he does not know exactly how much it will amount to or how long that process will take.  

Nelsonville community members have already planned a musical benefit to support the Mine while it undergoes repairs. It will be held Feb. 27 at 4:30 p.m. at the 13 Event Center, 15913 State Route 13 in Millfield.