TRAVESE CITY — The future of Union Street Station is now in doubt as the historic Traverse City bar faces $50,000 in damages, legal fees and structural repairs.
Landlord Bob Guyot has withdrawn an eviction lawsuit against the tenants, but legal claims regarding property damage remain active.
Union Street Station has been a fixture in the community since the 1890s. The current legal dispute centers on property maintenance and safety hazards discovered during recent inspections. Guyot confirmed his decision to keep the station operating in a statement to 9&10 News.
The bar stated on social media that it is unable to pay the $50,000 required for damages, legal fees and structural repairs. While the landlord has withdrawn the eviction suit, he is still pursuing legal claims regarding building damages and attorney fees. As part of the arrangement to keep the doors open, the tenants are required to pay for the repairs.
Maintenance concerns were a primary factor in the legal dispute. Recent property inspections uncovered significant safety hazards, particularly in the basement of the building. Court documents state that during a November walkthrough, inspectors found water leaking through a hole in the front door.
According to the inspections, water was leaking onto asbestos-wrapped pipes located next to exposed electrical wires. Following these findings, the insurance company representing the property threatened to cancel the policy in November unless the issues were addressed immediately.
The bar tenants are currently working on a response to the legal claims for a future court filing. The current owner of the bar has operated the business since 2009.
A celebration for Union Street Station is scheduled for Feb. 28. The gathering will recognize the bar’s status and its continued presence in Traverse City.
9&10 News reporter’s repeated attempts to reach the bar owners for comment were not returned.