09/30/2026
** SO...WHAT'S HAPPENIN' NEXT DOOR? **
If you've been to Backdoor in the last six months, you've probably asked that question, and we have, too...many, many times.
On April 1st, part of the building next door collapsed onto Backdoor's property, damaging our parking lot and taking approximately nine spaces out of commission.
Six months later...(gestures broadly outside)
So, since y'all have questions, we have some answers!
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1. WHEN IS THE BUILDING COMING DOWN?
We have no idea. Truly. We don't.
Whether the owner moves forward with demolition/rebuilding or the City eventually has to step in for demolition, Backdoor doesn't control the process or timeline.
So... ¯\(ツ)/¯...we dunno!
2. WHY HAVEN'T Y'ALL FIXED THE PARKING LOT?
Because we'd really, REALLY like to only pay to fix it once.
Equipment may still need access to our property. Spending thousands to repair the lot just to potentially tear it up again would be less than ideal and a waste of $$$.
3. WHY CAN'T I PARK THERE? IT LOOKS FINE.
Our little orange cones aren't decoration. They're trying their best!
There's still debris and a partially collapsed building next door. Until we're confident the area is safe, those spaces are staying closed. Please don't move the cones or park there.
4. IS IT SAFE TO COME TO BACKDOOR?
YES! Backdoor is open, and shows are happening! You may have to park a little farther away, but the affected area is outside and blocked off.
5. SURELY INSURANCE COVERS THIS?
One would think!
The property owner has told us he doesn't have insurance on the property. And Backdoor's insurance doesn't cover paved surfaces. Cool cool cool.
We do have a Building Fund, but most of it is earmarked for other projects. Shockingly, "the-building-next-door-messed-up-our-nearly-new-$98,000-parking-lot" wasn't a line item.
We already have an estimate of nearly $20,000 to repair the damaged portion, but we won't know the full extent until everything next door is finished...
6. CAN'T BACKDOOR JUST... DO SOMETHING?
Oh, how we wish. Magic wands are still on back order!
We've called. We've asked questions. We've stayed in touch with the City. We've advocated for our property. We've waited. We've asked more questions. We're pretty sure the City's Code Enforcement Office sighs every time they see our Executive Managing Director calling!
7. AREN'T YOU FRUSTRATED?! I SURE AM!
Yes.
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And that's where we are!
We'll keep asking, working around the mess, and updating our community when we have something new to share.
Thanks for navigating the parking, laughing with us, and continuing to show up for Backdoor Theatre!
Here's hoping the longest-running production of our 2026 Season gets a closing date soon!