{"id":152786,"date":"2026-02-05T22:37:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T22:37:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/152786\/"},"modified":"2026-02-05T22:37:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T22:37:08","slug":"san-antonios-bonham-exchange-to-remain-open-after-management-strikes-deal-with-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/152786\/","title":{"rendered":"San Antonio’s Bonham Exchange to remain open after management strikes deal with city"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Revelers line up to enter Bonham Exchange. Credit: Staff Photo<\/p>\n

Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones told reporters Thursday that the city and the Bonham Exchange reached an agreement that would prevent the closure of the longtime LGBTQ+ nightlife hub so long as it operates with reduced occupancy.<\/p>\n

The tentative deal comes after the city this week accused the nightclub \u2014\u00a0housed in a 135-year-old downtown building \u2014 of missing an Oct. 1, 2023, deadline to upgrade its sprinkler system to meet current fire code. Although Bonham will have to reduce its indoor patron capacity under its pact with the city, the venue might be able to make up for those restrictions by using its outdoor space, Jones said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m thankful [Bonham General Manager] Joan Duckworth signed that agreement,\u201d said Jones, the Alamo City\u2019s first openly queer mayor. \u201cI think this one keeps it open, ensures it is safe for folks. And, as part of that agreement, I agreed to help fundraise myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

In\u00a0comments to KSAT<\/a> earlier this week, Duckworth said a new sprinkler system would cost the Bonham $550,000, meaning the club would need time to coordinate a major fundraising push. She also told the TV station she\u2019s concerned the business wouldn\u2019t survive financially if forced to slash its occupancy.<\/p>\n

The mayor\u2019s comments about the tentative agreement came moments after Duckworth left Council Chambers nearly in tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do this right now,\u201d she told reporters before hurrying for the exit.<\/p>\n

Confusion over the deal <\/p>\n

In comments to members of the media, Jones said she didn\u2019t know the agreement\u2019s details off the top of her head, including how much the club must reduce its occupancy. However, city spokesman Brian Chasnoff promised to provide a more detailed breakdown to the media soon.<\/p>\n

During a separate press conference outside City Council chambers, Duckworth attorney Patrick Christensen said the agreement with the Bonham Exchange wasn\u2019t yet finalized because city officials haven\u2019t signed the document. He added that he\u2019s under the impression that even though his client signed the agreement, the proposal still must be voted on and approved by the full council.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re kind of in flux right now,\u201d Christensen said.<\/p>\n

In a statement to the Current, Chasnoff said the city is \u201creviewing the compliance agreement with Bonham Exchange and working toward finalizing it tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

The confusion at City Hall came days after District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur, District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo submitted a three-signature memo calling for a pause on fire code enforcement for the Bonham. <\/p>\n

The trio wanted to give Duckworth until 2027 to raise money for the sprinkler system.<\/p>\n

Delayed discussion<\/p>\n

Shortly before Jones briefed the media on the city\u2019s purported agreement with the nightclub, council members voted to push back discussion of the three-signature memo until their Feb. 12 meeting.<\/p>\n

Christensen told the Current that members of council still must discuss the memo before the city can officially sign off on the agreement Jones discussed with reporters. <\/p>\n

Chasnoff declined comment on whether Christensen\u2019s interpretation is accurate.<\/p>\n

During her discussion with reporters, Jones reiterated her commitment to keep the historic nightclub open, recalling how it helped her navigate being a member of the LGBTQ+ community while serving in the military under \u201cDon\u2019t Ask, Don\u2019t Tell.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBonham is a special place for me, which is why I wanted to personally help,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.<\/p>\n

Sign Up for SA Current newsletters.<\/a><\/p>\n

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