Pete Scully, the successful restaurateur behind The Republic and Bin 38, has signed a letter of intent with the developers behind the proposed condo tower at the Fairmont Hotel to take the Tonga Room off their hands. The embattled, historic Tiki bar was the subject of much debate at yesterday’s joint meeting of the Planning and Historic Preservation Commissions, and as Carolyn Tyler at ABC 7 reported last night, the plans for the beloved (though not often crowded) bar are one of the reasons the Fairmont must now wait until January before moving forward with any demolition plans. As we’ve reported earlier, the developer’s plans include the preservation of the Tonga Room’s design and accouterments, but specify that it will have to be relocated elsewhere. Tiki historian and Smuggler’s Cove owner Martin Cate, who has previously expressed interest in the Tonga Room’s fate, was not willing to comment at this time.
Tonga Room’s Fate Hangs In the Balance [ABC 7]
Earlier: The Tonga Room: Probably Still Endangered After All [Grub Street]
The Full Case for Saving the Tonga Room [Grub Street]