Minneapolis’ LGBT community loses another landmark tonight when Vera’s Cafe in Lyn-Lake closes its doors. Andy Birkey first picked up the news last night which was posted on Vera’s website. Wayne Butzer started the cafe during the demise of former LGBT hangout Cafe Wyrd (now Barbette’s) and for nine years built it into a strong following.

His cited reasons were not lacking in superlatives. The city’s Lake Street reconstruction hammered and hurt local businesses. He calls the city’s reconstruction of Lyndale Avenue “ill attempt” which hit during 2007 (though Lake Street reconstruction phases had been disrupting traffic since 2005).

Like many businesses, the economic recession was the final nail. Butzer had successfully applied for a liquor license in 2007 to maintain the dwindling revenue in coffee and bakery following the reconstruction.