While reports of its demise have been greatly exaggerated before, this may be the end for Gladius, the downtown Minneapolis gay bar that opened in September 2009 to much fanfare. While TheColu.mn has not yet been able to contact the owners, it has been informed by several people that they have heard “from the owner” that the bar will be closing on December 18th. The bar has been rumored to be facing financial difficulties.

The bar never seemed to reach the kind of prominence fellow upstart Minneapolis bars like Lush and Jetset achieved, but the rumors of a closing have put a crimp in at least one patron’s plans. In a message to invitees to a fundraiser for a friend battling lymphoma, Minneapolis-area resident Lauren DeLand said the announcement from Gladius staff was “abrupt.”

“We were surprised and upset by this sudden announcement,” DeLand wrote, “but we are determined to move forward with the benefit at another location.”

TheCou.mn is still trying to contact owner Phil Berglin, and will continue to update this article with more information as it becomes available.

A staff person at Gladius confirmed the Dec. 18 closing date under condition of anonymity.