The Corner Inn is now closed, and many in the community feel they lost their most reliable friend.

Situated on the northwest corner of California Avenue and Fauntleroy Way, the Inn had a restaurant and bar, but its soul was the dance floor, crowded with young-spirited seniors Tuesday and Saturday nights. Faithful musician Lauren Petrie played his trusty keyboard which added the needed spark to the dance floor, according to regulars, some in their 90's, who danced to his music, from Benny Goodman to the Beatles.

But it takes more than heart to keep a place like the Inn afloat. The Beatles song "Taxman" could have been in Petrie's repertoire as it is rumored that the IRS plays a role in the drama of the Inn's doors shutting.

"I can't really comment much about the closing yet, and I just lost my father," said Rick Norberg. "The Corner Inn was a 21-year legacy."

Rick's father, Jerry, the restaurant's executor, passed away about three weeks ago, and Rick said he was sorting through a lot of problems at once, both personal and financial.

Rick's aunt Christine Deering, who lives near Port Haddock, is now the executor.

Jerry's brother David, a longtime West Seattle resident, was the original owner until he passed away two years ago.

"Nothing is cast in stone, and the restaurant may reopen," said Norberg with guarded optimism. "It was neglected and needs a little love. But obviously there's a problem here or it would still be open."

The building is owned by Mar-San Properties, LLC. A "For Lease" banner and phone number drapes the corner of The Corner Inn.

"I was sorry to see this happen, and was caught off guard," said Mike McMurrey of Mar-San, who said his father had a positive business relationship with David Norberg over the years.

"It was cranking along for the last two years, and the lease is about up," McMurrey said. "We don't plan to build condos or anything there. The community wants another restaurant, and we want to readapt the existing building. Our goal is to maintain its footprint."

Petrie said he would be around with his guitar if the restaurant reopens or if a new one opens.

"I auditioned for the piano bar gig at the Corner Inn on a Valentines Day," recalls Petrie, who will now play regularly at the Senior Center of West Seattle and the White Center Eagles. "When they hired me I hoped the gig would last for a couple of weeks. That was13 and a half years ago. The piano bar itself is the original from the old Doghouse Caf