OH! Hara's Slowly Dying One Brick at a Time
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (September 28, 2020)Riding along King Street recently we noticed the former OH! Hara's restaurant/bar boarded up. A closer look revealed a window was recently broken on the Bergen Steet side of the building. Also on that side, at the top of the property, the door that leads to the fire escape was opened. We saw no one.
We were told by a Gloucester City firefighter who was standing nearby at the firehouse that the door springs open whenever there is a strong wind. He said the had seen someone working in the building some time ago but hadn't seen anyone in recent months.
Before being a bar O'Hara was a Masonic Lodge. During that time the building was well kept and stately looking. However, the lodge disbanded and eventually, it was sold in the early 1990's. It was renovated into a Pub/restaurant by Lenny Sauer, who spent tens of thousands of dollars to make all the repairs. Around the same time, the City announced a renaissance of the King Street Corridor which centered around the development of the former Coast Guard property a few blocks further south of O'Hara's on King Street and the Delaware River. For several decades the business did fairly well. Different owners came and went. But, the King Street Corridor plan never developed and OH'Hara's started to deteriorate. According to realtor.com the last time the property was sold was in 2014; the price $63,000.
RELATED: Former GAF Property in Gloucester City For Sale
Looking further we found Cummings and Company Realtors has the building listed for $240,000. Their advertisment, the date of which is not known, states:
Be part of Gloucester City's revitalization and the redevelopment of its waterfront region. This 3 story building is just a shell now, but with a little imagination and work, you can restore it to its original beauty and charm. Formerly "Oh Hara's" Restaurant and Tavern, this property has been gutted to the brick walls. There is parking behind the building, and additional parking spaces in public lot across the street. Excellent spot for restaurant/banquet facility, offices or apartments, a school, medical facility...endless possibilities. The area has been revamped with new sidewalks, street lamps, new residential town homes and has an awesome view of the Delaware River. Close to public transportation, major highways and bridges. Make your appointment today. Use caution when entering the building and showing your clients. Property is being sold "as is" with all inspections and certifications responsibility of the buyer.
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published Gloucestercitynews.net | SEPT. 29, 2020