An unexpected guest crashed a downtown blues club Monday morning as an SUV lost control on Main Street and slammed into the front door of Times Changed High and Lonesome Club.
Shortly after the crash, owner John Scoles showed up to clean up after a busy weekend.
"The vehicle had plowed directly into the front of the building,” said Scoles. “Obviously, the first concern is the driver who was hurt and then the second concern is what happens now."
According to Winnipeg police, the driver sustained only minor injuries.
The same can’t be said for the club, which has significant damage to the entryway and an exterior wall.
The historic building has anchored the corner of St. Mary Avenue and Main Street for 132 years and, given its age, having a car slam into it has raised concerns about the structural integrity.
"I can't say for sure if there is any structural right now,” said Scoles. “We're thinking it isn't but it's still substantial frontage and obviously I'm concerned about it."
Singer-songwriter Romi Mayes plays the club frequently and was scheduled to perform Friday but it is now unclear if the club will be able to re-open in time.
Mayes calls the club the best music venue in the city and credits it with helping boost her career.
"It means the world to me. It's almost cheesy how much four walls can mean to somebody,” said Mayes. “But the place isn't just a music venue it's a nurturer, it's like a community centre for musicians."
Scoles said the club might be open in time for the weekend, or it could be closed for a month.
He is still dealing with insurance adjusters and looking for a damage estimate from a contractor.
The club has beaten temporary closures in the past and also stared down the prospect of closing for good as landlords debated what to do with an historic building that requires a lot of upkeep.
Centre Venture has planned an overhaul for south Main and Scoles would like to see the club play a starring role in a revitalized neighbourhood.
“This place has been invincible so far so let’s see what happens now,” he said as he surveyed the damage Monday.
