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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 19, 2007)
JANUARY 19. 2007 David Fones, co-owner of Scandals, says staying on Stark Street was a deliberate move. “At the end of the day, we thought that it was important that we build in a part of the city that is in transition, that needed stimulus for growth, and I think there’s a lot of activity there that’s consistent with us,” said Gene Sandoval, ZGF partner and princi pal designer of the new building. Since ZGF’s announcement, its would-be neighbor, the Eagle, has announced its reluctant plan to move from the location at 1300 W. Burnside St. by the end of February. “Because of the nature of what’s happening around there, I’m sort of forced to make a facelift of the building so it fits with the overall area,” explained Craig Henderson, whose corporation, CHF LLC, owns the building. He says that Eagle owner Karl Wilgus has been a great tenant and that he’d be glad to rent to him again once the remodel is finished, but he will have to raise the rent on the space at least 35 percent to 40 percent. “I don’t care if that’s a gay bar or what—as long as they pay the rent and I don’t have to support the building with my own money," said Henderson, a father of three who is anticipating sending two children to college in the near future. As for Wilgus, he’s moving on. “If I can find a spot, I may reopen the Eagle, probably down in Old Town,” he said. Wilgus has recently run into problems holding onto the name “Eagle,” which signifies a gay leather scene to people all over the United States. Pat Lanagan, owner of Urge, a gay bar in North Portland, recently registered the name after Wilgus allowed his registration to lapse last summer. Wilgus announced in a fiery e-mail to the media Jan. 9 that he’s reregistered the name, referring to Lanagan as a “bottom dweller” and claiming Lanagan tried to steal the name. Lanagan changed the name of Urge to the Eagle on Jan. 10. Lanagan, who chalked the maneuver up to a business move, said he’ll be issuing Wilgus a cease-and-desist order before the Eagle closes its drxirs. Meanwhile, Wilgus has announced he’ll be opening a new club called Casey’s, which he describes as “all-inclusive." He wasn’t specific about the locale but said the new place will be near C.C. Slaughters in Old Town. He hopes to open Casey’s by the end of February. Wilgus said he sees a trend in the gay community toward Old Town. “[It] seems to look pretty attractive to me. You’ve got a variety of clubs down there. [Gay establishments include Darcelle XV, Hobo’s, the Fox & Hounds, Gail’s Dirty Duck and Shanghai Steakery.] It offers a lot of different venues for people,” he said. “As a business, you typically get a larger and less expensive space.” Mitchell, whose properties reside on the south side of Burnside Street, takes a different tack. “As a business operator I would think very carefully before opening any bar in Old Town based on what is currently happening down there. Have you been over there at night lately? It is like a circus on the weekends,” said Mitchell. Continued on Page 22 Your #1 choice 24/7/365 503.227.1212 LINNTON FEED & SEED 10920 NW St. Helens Rd • Portland, OR 97231 • Phone: (503)286-1291 DAY OLD CHICKS GARDENING SUPPLIES HARDWARE POULTRY SUPPLIES ORGANIC FERTILIZERS FENCING ORGANIC FEED BEDDING PLANTS PLUMBING The unique shopping experience f Big City Produce Local Folks, Local Produce Little Store . . . Big on Diversity. 722 N Sumner (at N Albina) • Portland • 503 460 3830 JUStlOUt 21
