While the Historic Landmark Commission will provide guidance in the matter, the final decision on whether to provide landmark status to the building rests with the Austin City Council. The motion passed unanimously over the objections of Oil Can Harry’s. The commission noted that the while the proposal “does not meet the standards that would be applied in review of proposed work to a historic landmark,” it does represent “a compromise solution intended to maintain the streetscape character” of the existing Warehouse District. Architectural plans call for replicating the brick and mortar façade. The proposal from the development company Hanover seeks to demolish the aging structures and replace them with the new mixed-use high-rise building. “The effort to declare our building as historic would take away the only leverage tool we have, and so we ask that our community NOT oppose the application” up for debate last week. They note the bar leveraged its existing contract to reach an agreement with the developers to extend their lease for the next 25 years. With the historic landmark status, the owners claimed the building would remain but Oil Can Harry’s would be “forced out of the block in less than 10 years by individuals and factors” outside their control. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to receive news, offers, and information from Smithsonian magazine and our partners. “However, in our unique case, we need you to know a historical declaration is NOT the way to do it.” “Rest assured, our mission is to keep 4th street alive for a long time, and if we navigate these waters correctly, we will succeed,” Oil Can Harry’s said in a statement posted to social media.