FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): A lawsuit filed against the City of Fort Wayne by the owners of a now-shuttered downtown strip club has been thrown out.

A federal judge rejected the arguments from the owners of Rabbit’s on Calhoun Street after they said city officials unfairly applied an ordinance that regulates “sexually-oriented businesses” and prevented their planned reopening after they closed in 2016.

The Journal Gazette reports they argued the city violated their constitutional rights to free speech and requested $500,000 in damages.

City Attorney Carol Helton says the city is hopeful that a “future private development” will pop up in the club’s place.