Photo by Eric Boll. Feb. 17, 2026.
This is a developing situation. Follow the City of Nelsonville’s information page and The Mine Tavern’s Facebook page for immediate updates.
NELSONVILLE, Ohio — As of Wednesday morning, shoring operations had begun to stabilize a partial wall collapse at The Mine Tavern, 14 Public Square.
Part of the eastern side of the Nelsonville Public Square remains closed to all traffic, and three businesses located there are closed indefinitely. No one was injured in the collapse.
Nelsonville City Council President Cameron Peck said on Facebook that the city would discuss the formation of a committee to support preservation of the historic public square area.
FullBrooks Cafe announced its indefinite closure on Facebook. The cafe is located in the Dew House at 6 Public Square, a historic former hotel that now houses seniors and people with disabilities. The Dew House’s 10 residents have been displaced, according to a Facebook post.
Hocking College President Betty Young said the college’s Rhapsody restaurant, 18 Public Square, will be closed until officials OK the business to reopen.
Much of public concern revolves around the fate of The Mine Tavern, one of Ohio’s oldest bars. The Mine announced on its Facebook page Sunday, Feb. 15, that its building had suffered a structural collapse early that morning. An engineer was on site by 11:30 a.m., according to a report by Derwacter & Associates. The report states that Nelsonville fire chief Harry Barber asked the company to assess the structure’s condition.
Barber did not immediately return the Independent’s request for comment.
The engineer found that the building is “an immediate and significant collapse hazard,” and unsafe to occupy. The assessment called for the closure of nearby buildings, sidewalks and the roadway until The Mine’s building could be repaired due to the risk of “continued progressive failure” of the structure.
“Immediate action should be taken to either shore and stabilize the structure or proceed with controlled demolition, with careful consideration given to the protection of adjacent structures,” the assessment states.
Citing an “emergency opinion” from a structural engineer, the city announced later on Sunday that The Mine would have to be demolished. That was incorrect, however, and the city issued a correction soon after.
However, that hasn’t stopped rampant speculation about The Mine’s future. In a Feb. 18 Facebook post, a representative of The Mine’s owners urged the community not to spread rumors about the business.
“Decisions to be made are still forthcoming and out of [the owners’] hands at this time,” the post stated. “Please be patient with your speculations and theories, the Norway family will be the first to share that information with this wonderful and supportive community of friends and patrons.”
The Norway family are the business’ eighth owners since the building’s construction in 1842. The business has maintained its unique character over the centuries, inside and outside.
The Mine Manager Patrick Norway did not immediately return the Independent’s request for comment.
Folks are already supporting The Mine’s recovery efforts through events and initiatives.
In its Feb. 16 Facebook post, The Mine said that two funds have been established to support the tavern’s employees and building expenses.
Donations will be accepted in person at Farmers Bank of Nelsonville (formerly Nelsonville Home & Savings), 9 W. Columbus St. Donations also can be placed in a sealed envelope marked “The Mine Tavern Fund” and dropped in the bank’s after-hours deposit box. Gifts also may be sent via Venmo, @Becky-Norway.
13 Event Center, at 15913 SR 13, Millfield, is hosting a fundraiser for The Mine at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27.
Let us know what's happening in your neck of the woods!
Get in touch and share a story!
