Takeover of its building, that is. The city's best known vegan-cooperative-anti-cop cafe is hoping to buy the building it currently rents and turn the top floor into affordable housing.

The cafe's staff of co-owners is trying to raise $50,000 by the end of the month for the down payment on its building on SE 12th and Oak. That seems steep, but the workers say they've already raised $42,000.

The Red and Black got headlines (and death threats) nationwide this summer after an employee kicked out a cop who had ordered a cup of coffee. Via email, staffer John Langley writes that Red and Black's plan to buy its building is motivated in a large part by a desire to know the cafe won't get kicked out if it becomes too controversial. Red and Black was originally located on SE Division and 22nd Ave, but when the landlord decided to turn the building into bistros, Red and Black got booted.

If all goes according to plan, the upstairs will be turned into five units of affordable housing with the help of a housing nonprofit, Portland Community Housing.

Also of note: Look what photo Red and Black is sending out with the press releases! It's the Anarchist Press Conference band shot!

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  • Commenty Colin