Fromer Atlanta Eagle site catches fire, officials investigate

ATLANTA — Fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fire at the historic site, which once housed one of Atlanta’s most renowned LGBTQ+ bars, on Friday.

And while authorities investigate, many wonder what will happen to the rich history once housed there.

“It was really sad to see it catch fire,” said Richard Ramey, owner of the Atlanta Eagle Bar.

For 35 years, the historic site at the intersection of Ponce De Leon and Argonne avenues was home to a bar that became famous throughout the Southeast and “hosted legendary drag performers like Ru Paul and Lady Bunny who promoted equality LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS education. “, the town hall previously indicated.

But on Thursday evening, the building built in 1898 caught fire.

“This was the first historic milestone for our gay community, so it really hurts to see all the damage,” Ramey said.

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Video from the scene showed smoke and flames shooting into the air from the now abandoned building.

“You could feel the heat from everywhere there, and about two hundred feet away it was a real fire,” said Stephen Eich, who lives nearby. It was very hot,” said Stephen Eich, who lives nearby.

Fortunately, fire crews were able to keep the fire from spreading to neighboring properties, including the historic Kodak Building next door, but many are now worried about what will happen to the old Atlanta Eagle.

“It has so much history, so much history, starting with Ru Paul when it was the Hall of Fame and all of our history, for the 35 years that we’ve been here, and that’s what that makes this building so special,” Ramey said. .

In 2020, former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms designated the location as a historic landmark, citing its importance to the LGBTQ+ community. The Atlanta Eagle Bar was also the scene of a controversial police raid in 2009 that resulted in a trial and the conviction of 16 officers guilty of lying or destroying evidence.

Six offers were also launched. The incident led to training and policy changes. And as the investigation into the fire continues, those who live near the site continue to remember.

“It’s an emotional time, in this kind of scene, and people who have a connection to something, the fires are really devastating,” Ramey continued.

The fire remains under investigation.