Sad news yesterday for fans of Mission District venue the Elbo Room: the owners have been told that their lease won’t be renewed and that the building will be demolished and replaced by condos. With their current lease expiring on November 1, the Elbo Room team posted a note on Facebook explaining that they’re actively looking to relocate, and we certainly hope they can find a new location soon.

SF history buffs know that the bar the Elbo Room currently occupies has been in operation for 80 years in various forms; as Amelia’s, it was once the last lesbian bar in San Francisco (prior to the later-to-arrive and now-departing Lexington Club assuming that distinction). The Elbo Room took over in 1991 and has been offering wide-ranging music programming — metal, reggae, electronic, and indie music in large helpings — with a substantial number of local bands on their bills.

Suffice to say, the Elbo Room is important to us and to San Francisco music, and if you know of a place for them to relocate, please let them know. Here’s the full statement from the Elbo Room:

Hey Everyone
There is finally news.
Dennis and Susan Ring had a meeting with the powers that be and they seem quite confident that their condo project will be able to move forward.
As a result, they have decided not to renew our lease which expires Nov. 1st, 2015.

Yes, we are in shock.

What’s next?
We will be looking for a new space to continue what we are doing. With hopefully as little lapse as possible.
We own the liquor license, the business and all contents inside (except for pinball/pacman).
Hopefully we can find something soon.

If you have any leads on a space for us, or wish to help… please email mattshapiro@mac.com

Thank You for your ongoing support

Matt Shapiro/ Erik Cantu
and the staff of Elbo Room