Revelers line up to enter Bonham Exchange. Credit: Staff Photo

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.

The tentative deal comes after the city this week accused the nightclub — housed in a 135-year-old downtown building — 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.

“I’m thankful [Bonham General Manager] Joan Duckworth signed that agreement,” said Jones, the Alamo City’s first openly queer mayor. “I think this one keeps it open, ensures it is safe for folks. And, as part of that agreement, I agreed to help fundraise myself.”

In comments to KSAT 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’s concerned the business wouldn’t survive financially if forced to slash its occupancy.

The mayor’s comments about the tentative agreement came moments after Duckworth left Council Chambers nearly in tears.

“I can’t do this right now,” she told reporters before hurrying for the exit.

Confusion over the deal

In comments to members of the media, Jones said she didn’t know the agreement’s 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.

During a separate press conference outside City Council chambers, Duckworth attorney Patrick Christensen said the agreement with the Bonham Exchange wasn’t yet finalized because city officials haven’t signed the document. He added that he’s under the impression that even though his client signed the agreement, the proposal still must be voted on and approved by the full council.

“We’re kind of in flux right now,” Christensen said.

In a statement to the Current, Chasnoff said the city is “reviewing the compliance agreement with Bonham Exchange and working toward finalizing it tomorrow.”

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.

The trio wanted to give Duckworth until 2027 to raise money for the sprinkler system.

Delayed discussion

Shortly before Jones briefed the media on the city’s purported agreement with the nightclub, council members voted to push back discussion of the three-signature memo until their Feb. 12 meeting.

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.

Chasnoff declined comment on whether Christensen’s interpretation is accurate.

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 “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

“Bonham is a special place for me, which is why I wanted to personally help,” she said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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Michael Karlis is a multimedia journalist at the San Antonio Current, whose coverage in print and on social media focuses on local and state politics. He is a graduate of American University in Washington,...