Historic Mine Tavern in Nelsonville, Ohio Closes After Wall Collapse

One of Ohio's oldest bars forced to shut down temporarily due to structural damage

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Mine Tavern, a longtime mainstay in the heart of Nelsonville, Ohio, has been forced to temporarily close after a 6-foot section of its brick wall collapsed in the early morning of February 15th. The collapse has been deemed a high risk to public safety, leading city officials to barricade the area and warn that the building may need to be demolished if it cannot be stabilized.

Why it matters

The Mine Tavern is one of Ohio's oldest operating bars, having first opened in 1842. Its closure is a significant loss for the Nelsonville community, which has relied on the historic watering hole as a gathering place for generations. The collapse also threatens adjacent businesses, raising concerns about the broader impact on Nelsonville's historic downtown district.

The details

According to an assessment from a structural engineering firm, the compromised wall, unsupported floor and roof framing, and deteriorated masonry walls have created a "high risk of progressive structural failure" and that continued access poses an "unaccepted risk to life safety." City officials have barricaded the east side of the Public Square to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic while authorities determine whether the structure can be stabilized or must be demolished.

  • The wall collapse occurred in the early morning of February 15, 2026.
  • On February 16, 2026, the neighboring FullBrooks Cafe also announced its closure due to the collapse.
  • On February 18, 2026, the Norway family who operates the Mine Tavern posted an update on the situation.

The players

Mine Tavern

One of Ohio's oldest operating bars, first opened in 1842 and located in the heart of Nelsonville, Ohio.

Nelsonville Fire Department and Police

Responded to the scene of the wall collapse and ensured no one was injured.

Derwacter & Associates

A structural engineering firm that assessed the damage to the Mine Tavern building and determined it was unsafe for occupancy.

City of Nelsonville

Barricaded the east side of the Public Square to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic while authorities determine the next steps for the building.

Norway Family

The eighth family to operate the Mine Tavern since it first opened, they are working with structural engineers and insurers to determine the next steps for the historic bar.

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What they’re saying

“We are very thankful ... that nobody was injured and things can be replaced.”

— Norway Family, Mine Tavern Operators (Facebook)

“We are and will continue to worry about the businesses and individuals affected.”

— Norway Family, Mine Tavern Operators (Facebook)

“Our goal was to keep the historic building and our beautiful downtown a place to visit and enjoy for years to come. We're not quitters and will be back stronger than ever.”

— Norway Family, Mine Tavern Operators (Facebook)

What’s next

City officials and the Norway family are working with structural engineers and insurers to determine if the Mine Tavern building can be stabilized or if it will need to be demolished. The neighboring FullBrooks Cafe has also closed temporarily due to the collapse.

The takeaway

The closure of the historic Mine Tavern is a significant loss for the Nelsonville community, highlighting the challenges faced by small businesses and historic landmarks in maintaining aging infrastructure. The collapse raises concerns about the broader impact on Nelsonville's downtown district and the importance of proactive preservation efforts to protect the city's cultural heritage.