We’ve heard this on and off for a while, but more than a year-and-a-half after a fire destroyed Trackside Tavern and 5th Earl, it now sounds like construction of Trackside 2.0 may finally be around the corner.

A reader sends along this note from Trackside owner Doc Al…

OK, OK – here’s the news: Today is the beginning of the beginning of the rebirth of Trackside! I have been keeping it quiet for a little while, but after meeting with the building owner, working with the architect, and being contacted by the contractor, I can finally say with confidence that we are very soon from seeing the old building knocked down and an ALMOST IDENTICAL one going up in its place very very soon.

For continued updates, stay in touch with the “Trackside Tavern in Decatur, GA is Coming Back” Facebook page.

Robert Elrod, who was instrumental in organizing the recent Trackside fundraiser at Corner Pub, reports…

The owner of Trackside (Doc Al Czarkowski) father died yesterday at Dekalb. It seems impossible that all this could happen to one person, but it has.

This Saturday at 2PM at Turner Funeral home in Decatur, there will be a service for him…. Doc’s father was a welcome fellow whenever he was in town at the Trackside and many of the patrons knew him well. Since the fire, Doc has not been able to get to his email list from the Trackside, and we’d like as many folks as possible to be made aware.

My deepest condolences Al.