Nelsonville’s historic Mine Tavern will reopen after months of restoration following a partial collapse
By: Ebenezer Amartey
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NELSONVILLE, Ohio — The Mine Tavern will reopen its doors this weekend after months of rebuilding following a partial collapse, marking the return of one of Nelsonville’s longtime gathering places.
The tavern closed after part of the building collapsed in February, leaving owners uncertain whether the historic structure could be saved. Patrick Norway, whose parents own The Mine Tavern, said the initial reports suggested demolition was a possibility.
“Our world fell apart,” Norway said, recalling the day of the collapse. “When the walls came down, it seemed like everything was coming down.”
Norway said the community rallied behind his family, offering financial assistance, emotional support and encouragement throughout the rebuilding process.
“When the first reports came out that we were going to have to tear it down, we had so many people calling us saying, ‘We’re not going to let that happen. There’s got to be another way,’” Norway said. “With the help of everyone in this town, we made that dream a reality and were able to save our favorite little watering hole.”
Norway said the restoration presented numerous challenges, including coordinating contractors, navigating the permitting process and working with insurance. He credited city officials and the Nelsonville Fire Department with helping move the project forward.
Nearly all of the tavern’s employees have returned to work, with about 13 employees currently on staff and the possibility of hiring more as business resumes.
Although several upgrades were made during the restoration, including a new floor, bar and storefront, Norway said preserving the building’s history remained a priority.
“History is being wiped away every single day,” he said. “I didn’t want that to ever go away. I think we did a pretty good job of keeping it as original as possible while also making it as modern and safe as possible.”
For Norway, the reopening represents more than the return of a business.
“When this all happened, people from all walks of life, every age, race and orientation were telling us they couldn’t wait to come back,” he said. “We’ve made this a family-friendly atmosphere, and some people are family now to us.”
The Mine Tavern will hold its grand reopening on Saturday. Doors open at 2 p.m., followed by a reopening ceremony at 4 p.m. Live music featuring Evan McCune, Michael Fisher and Spencer Tyrrell will follow the ceremony.