A few months ago I penned a WTH column called McShambles where I spoke of the questionable improvements the owners of the former McShanes Bar had made to the exterior.
Well if you haven’t driven by lately, you’ve probably not seen the current condition of the building. I think it’s arguably worse than it was before.
It looks like they may be replacing the roof, which is a good thing, but they’ve also systematically taken parts of it apart brick-by-brick. In fact, I think the entire West wall is completely dismantled and sitting in a pile in the parking lot. In the above photo you can see a large part of the East wall missing and stacks of bricks on the scaffolding.
Also, they apparently have a chimney sweep service. However, my chimney is made of brick so….I think I’ll shop around.
It’s amazing that McShane’s continues to be source of such attention even after being closed for years..
Having grown up up Emrson from McShane’s, I really wish someone would bring it back as a TRUE neighborhood bar like it used to be; even my teetotlaling mother used to eat their chili they used to have on Tuesdays!
Oh the horror, somebody is making necessary and improvements to a building in such dire straights. You’re right, we should kick out the current successful, friendly, and hard working business that has chosen to upgrade this building….and the visual aspect of the neighborhood. Is it a work-in-progress, absolutely. Would you rather have another under 21 club in there…I think not.
Until recently I lived in Emerson Heights and still drive by this building fairly regularly. I have no idea what the heck they are doing. Mind boggling.
To do the absolutely needed repairs, a portion of the brick circumferencing the top of the building had to be removed. Why? To get to all the rotted/ing wood that was underneath. It was supporting the destroyed roof. All that brick is being saved, and this company does very nice brick work…so I’m sure it will be fine.
They recently removed all the ducting that was in the ceiling, and from what I could tell….lots of asbestos. If do you weren’t aware (but I gether some here are directly aware)…. there have been many ridiculous complaints on this company, that simply wanted to upgrade this building and put it to GOOD use. After being badgered at every turn, they stopped working on it completely…for a long while. This is one of the main reasons the project isn’t completed.
Shawn, that makes sense…Perhaps the professor needs some schooling in masonry. But stopping because people make what may be ignorant comments? What’s better than having the last laugh if, in fact, what is happening is a faithful restoration? If that turns out to be the case, I’d be willing to bet even curmudgeonly Professor Eugene might be prevailed upon to acknowledge and issue apologies.
Tifffany,
They weren’t stopping because of comments, but rather people blocking permits, circumventing their equipment (moving/disabling), et al. I don’t know the full story, from any side…. but own a home close to this building and talk with them on occassion. I have even had them do some work, roof & chimney, on our home… and was quite pleased with their work & prices.
The owner IS a “good ol boy” and radiates it…. That said, I think everyone will like the finished product better than what has been there for the past few years 🙂
Thanks, Shawn. I don’t write WTH anymore–except when I usurp Dr. Eugene, or in older posts. He can be a bit cantankerous. I didn’t know if Dr. E had 1st hand knowledge or was just assuming. But thank you for the clarification!
P.S. Has anyone seen the updates to the building? They have done quite a bit recently. It is no longer a flat roof, for sure….