February 18, 1996 Madison, WI
Just a few days before the fire, the Hotel Washington's profile had been substantially raised by
a cover story that appeared in the Rhythm section of both daily newspapers. On any night of the
week, Natasha Kassulke wrote, a walk through the businesses at the Hotel Washington complex ...
is like entering a Disney World for drinkers, dancers and diners.
There were two gay bars (The New Bar and Rod's Club, named for the hotel's owner,
Rodney Scheel); a micro beer bar (Microbar); a bar that pretty
much defied brief description, with its secret entrance, oversized exotic cocktails, tarot card
readings and two-chair hair salon (the Barber's Closet); a live music bar (Club de Wash); and an
after-hours coffeehouse (Cafe Palms and Espresso Bar).
Fire officials determined that an ashtray emptied into a wastebasket in the office of the Cafe
Palms caused the fire.
More on the Wash Hotel
