The second official Young Urban Preservationists (YUP) event features the launch of our WHERE THE #&@% AM I?™    historic pub/bar coaster project at Abilene Bar and Lounge, 153 Liberty Pole Way in Rochester on Friday, May 2 beginning at 6 p.m.

The coaster initiative will highlight interesting factoids and the rehab of communal gathering spaces and adapted historic spaces that have become some of the area’s favorite bars and brewpubs.  “Maybe at some point these were buildings that were abandoned, neglected, left to squatters, scavengers, and the elements,” said Caitlin Meives, our Preservation Planner and fellow YUP. “Maybe they were labeled ‘eyesores’ and dismissed as a pile of bricks. But they were also reinvented—given new life by visionary entrepreneurs, investors, and local business owners. Oftentimes, their transformation has helped transform the neighborhood around them.”

Patrons at the bars will receive a coaster with a QR code where they can access information about the transformation and reinvention of the building. Establishments currently participating include Abilene, 2 Vine, Edibles, Black Button/Rohrbach, Dinosaur BBQ and The American Hotel, in Lima.

Anyone interested in preservation and community revitalization is invited to join the Young Urban Preservationists and to attend the public launch of the WHERE THE #&@% AM I?™  project at Abilene on Friday. Membership is not required for these events and there is no registration required for Friday’s event.  Plus, your first drink is on us!