Atlanta’s ongoing water crisis took a particularly devastating turn for Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta, a beloved neighborhood bar in Midtown. Days after a major water main break crippled downtown, a second, equally significant rupture directly outside the pub on 11th Street unleashed a torrent of water, causing widespread damage and forcing the establishment to close its doors indefinitely. This incident not only highlights the fragility of Atlanta’s aging infrastructure but also underscores the challenges faced by local businesses when unexpected disasters strike.
The crisis unfolded on the evening of Friday, May 31st, when patrons at Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta first noticed water seeping up from the pavement. By 9 p.m., the situation escalated dramatically as water erupted from the ground, reaching heights of up to 18 feet. This powerful geyser, emanating from a century-old, 36-inch water main, relentlessly battered the side of the pub for nearly 72 hours. The force of the water was so intense that it shattered windows facing 11th Street, allowing water to pour into the bar for approximately 20 hours before mitigation efforts could be implemented.
“There is water damage to everything,” lamented Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta owner Michael Taylor in an interview with Rough Draft Atlanta. “Every floor and every wall sat in water for about 20 hours.” Despite having a sump pump capable of handling significant water volume, the sheer volume of water inundating the pub overwhelmed its capacity. The damage extends throughout the main dining area and into the subterranean kitchen, necessitating extensive repairs and renovations before Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta can welcome back patrons.
The impact of the water main break extends beyond property damage. Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta, a cornerstone of the Midtown community, is now facing an uncertain period of closure. The pub employs 14 staff members who are directly affected by the shutdown, relying on the pub for their livelihood. For a small, independent business like Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta, every day of closure translates to lost revenue and increased financial strain. This unforeseen event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of local establishments to infrastructure failures and the ripple effect such incidents can have on the community.
Broken windows of Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta, damaged by chunks of asphalt propelled by the force of a water main rupture.
In the wake of the crisis, Atlanta City officials, including Mayor Andre Dickens, have been in contact with Michael Taylor, offering assurances of support. The city’s Watershed Management team worked tirelessly to shut off the water main and is currently assessing the full extent of the damage to Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta. While the city has pledged to assist with the recovery, the process of drying out, repairing, and potentially dealing with mold issues will be lengthy and costly. Taylor is hopeful that insurance, city assistance, and potential grant money from the proposed recovery fund for businesses impacted by the Atlanta water crisis will help expedite the reopening of Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta.
City crews work diligently to repair the 11th Street water main break affecting Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta and surrounding Midtown.
The incident at Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta underscores a larger, systemic issue plaguing Atlanta: its aging water infrastructure. Established in 1875, Atlanta’s water system was originally designed for a population a fraction of its current size. Michael Taylor himself had previously addressed plumbing issues at Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta, replacing pipes in the century-old building just last year. He emphasizes that the recent water main break is a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for investment in infrastructure modernization to prevent future crises and protect local businesses like Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta from similar devastation.
Despite the challenges, Michael Taylor remains optimistic about the future of Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta. He eagerly anticipates reopening and welcoming back the community. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to support Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta by following their social media for updates and planning to visit once they reopen. Supporting local businesses like Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta is crucial for the vitality of the city, especially as they navigate unforeseen hardships. The resilience of Eleventh Street Pub Atlanta and the Atlanta community will be key to overcoming this latest challenge in the ongoing water crisis.
