The Fight to Save Jimmy's Corner: A New York Institution Faces Eviction

Jimmy's Corner, a cherished dive bar located in Times Square, New York City, has been a staple since its founding by Jimmy Glenn, a former boxer, in 1971. Known for its unpretentious atmosphere, low prices, and boxing memorabilia, the bar has remained largely unchanged despite the surrounding area's transformation into a bustling tourist hub. However, the bar now faces eviction from its building, owned by the Durst Organization, prompting its current owner, Adam Glenn, to file a lawsuit against the landlord.

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Adam Glenn, who took over the bar after his father's death in 2020, alleges that the Durst Organization exploited his father's trust during lease negotiations, allowing for eviction upon Jimmy Glenn's passing. The eviction notice has left patrons anxious about the bar's future. Adam Glenn expressed deep emotional ties to the establishment, recalling his childhood memories spent there and stating, “I think my dad would be incredibly hurt and disappointed” by the potential closure.

The Guardian

Jimmy's Corner has served as a refuge for locals and tourists alike, offering a space where patrons can engage in genuine conversations without the distractions of modern technology, as the bar lacks Wi-Fi. Regulars, like Walter Trice, emphasize the bar's close-knit community and its role in their lives, with many celebrating significant family events within its walls. The bar's affordability, with beers priced at $3, stands in stark contrast to the rising costs in the area, making it a vital part of the neighborhood's cultural fabric.

The Guardian

A spokeswoman for the Durst Organization stated that they had historically supported the bar, providing favorable rent conditions. She claimed that Adam Glenn was informed over a year ago about the need to vacate the premises and that an offer of $250,000 was made to facilitate the move. Adam Glenn disputes this account, asserting that he was initially offered no compensation.

The Guardian

The impending closure of Jimmy's Corner has sparked outrage among patrons and locals, who view it as part of a broader trend of erasing authentic cultural spaces in New York City. Critics argue that the city's transformation into a playground for the wealthy threatens its unique character and diversity. The bar's potential closure is seen as emblematic of the struggles faced by small businesses in the face of escalating real estate pressures.

The Guardian

As the legal battle unfolds, Adam Glenn has indicated that if forced to close, he plans to open a new bar that retains the authenticity and pricing structure of Jimmy's Corner. The future of this beloved institution remains uncertain, but its significance to the community is undeniable, as patrons rally to support its legacy.

The Guardian

• “It felt like losing my parents again,” — Adam Glenn, Owner of Jimmy's Corner

The Guardian

• “For a lot of our neighbors, and people who were young in the 70s and 80s and were in that neighborhood, a lot of them would say, ‘I didn’t feel safe coming home late at night if Jimmy wasn’t there,’” — Adam Glenn

The Guardian

• “If the property titans who run the city have no room for places like this, then what is left?” — Adam Glenn

The Irish Times

The fate of Jimmy's Corner encapsulates the ongoing struggle between preserving cultural heritage and the relentless march of urban development in New York City.

The Guardian