IceHouse will not reopen for 2010

[lorelei]

To my understanding, the building's owner is not interested in selling.
Icehouse just leased the space (pretty pricey rent from what I was told) from the owner.

I thought Asher owned it?

[JBB]

To my understanding, the building's owner is not interested in selling.
Icehouse just leased the space (pretty pricey rent from what I was told) from the owner.

I thought Asher owned it?

yes... can we send an angry mob to his house up in Druid Hills?

[Eurotrash]

I think there are some people just waiting to get the lease on that place and get some shows booked.  It probably wont stay closed for long. 

We'll see. 

Suggestion:  just call it "The Echo" .

[bbmc]

Awful, just awful!  Any rumor why they lost their beer/wine license?  Or never got the full liquor license?

The short answer, cashflow.  Certain promises were made by certain local 'toothless' blusterous politicians at the inception of the business and then sat on until things got dire totally fucking their business model (not all but a good bit).  I'm not going to go too deep into their dirty laundry online, just know the whole situation is a tragic comedy of errs at many levels and a good lesson to anyone trying to start a business.

Euro: I don't think Janet will let that fly.

[Cap'n Ken]

Awful, just awful!  Any rumor why they lost their beer/wine license?  Or never got the full liquor license?

The short answer, cashflow.  Certain promises were made by certain local 'toothless' blusterous politicians at the inception of the business and then sat on until things got dire totally fucking their business model (not all but a good bit).  I'm not going to go too deep into their dirty laundry online, just know the whole situation is a tragic comedy of errs at many levels and a good lesson to anyone trying to start a business.

Euro: I don't think Janet will let that fly.

I wasn't going to go down that path, but my loose understanding matches yours. I do know the city itself was pretty uncooperative once the advocacy actually got to them, but it does seem promises weren't kept in terms of how active that advocacy would be.

[bbmc]

As far as anyone else opening a business in that space... there's a reason two clubs have gone under there, and unless there's private financing I doubt any bank would underwrite a business loan there under current city codes unless there is a proven potential for Non Traditional Revenue (a solid retail aspect to the business, et al).

[Shivers]

Really sucks, such a wasted space for music etc. I feel bad for the guys that tried to make it work. Sounds like they hit nothing but walls the whole bloody time.

[Eurotrash]

Awful, just awful!  Any rumor why they lost their beer/wine license?  Or never got the full liquor license?

The short answer, cashflow.  Certain promises were made by certain local 'toothless' blusterous politicians at the inception of the business and then sat on until things got dire totally fucking their business model (not all but a good bit).  I'm not going to go too deep into their dirty laundry online, just know the whole situation is a tragic comedy of errs at many levels and a good lesson to anyone trying to start a business.

Euro: I don't think Janet will let that fly.

I just figured The Echo and The Echo Lounge were different enough.

I know much has been said about zoning and liquor but what about the shows?  These guys never got a big (relatively) show in that space.   It appears to me that either none of the local concert promoters were interested or they all got the finger from the Ice House dudes. 

[Cap'n Ken]

Awful, just awful!  Any rumor why they lost their beer/wine license?  Or never got the full liquor license?

The short answer, cashflow.  Certain promises were made by certain local 'toothless' blusterous politicians at the inception of the business and then sat on until things got dire totally fucking their business model (not all but a good bit).  I'm not going to go too deep into their dirty laundry online, just know the whole situation is a tragic comedy of errs at many levels and a good lesson to anyone trying to start a business.

Euro: I don't think Janet will let that fly.

I just figured The Echo and The Echo Lounge were different enough.

I know much has been said about zoning and liquor but what about the shows?  These guys never got a big (relatively) show in that space.   It appears to me that either none of the local concert promoters were interested or they all got the finger from the Ice House dudes.

I would suppose the lack of a full liquor license and associated revenue would impact a venue's ability to attract (i.e. guarantee dollars for) a big show.

[rev. polecat]

That place was the best place for shows.  Both Uncle D and Blast Off witnessed great success there.  It hurts to think of the money sunk in to upgrades that aren't getting used.  The sound system was great, the lights, the shower, all of it.  Lewis and Murphy did a great job with making us feel at home every time we were there.

If I won the lotto, this place would be on my list of pursuits. 

[pedal]

I would suppose the lack of a full liquor license and associated revenue would impact a venue's ability to attract (i.e. guarantee dollars for) a big show.

I understand the desire to generate revenue through a 1000%+ markup on hard liquor, but the Variety has made a good go at it with just beer, wine and popcorn.

[edit] I buzz backwards and just saw Euro's latest post.  I tend to agree that the overall booking was a bit . . . off.  The size of the venue is perfect for shows with crowds too big for the Earl and too small for the Variety.  The Echo managed to position itself as a perfect momma bear spot for those shows and did a great job bringing in national and local acts.  $15 or even $25 covers for national acts in an intimate setting could go a long way toward paying rent.

[Kevy Duty]

Mike Murphy to me circa two years ago, "My daddy's got more credit than the government!  We'll make it work!" 

[rev. polecat]

I would suppose the lack of a full liquor license and associated revenue would impact a venue's ability to attract (i.e. guarantee dollars for) a big show.

I understand the desire to generate revenue through a 1000%+ markup on hard liquor, but the Variety has made a good go at it with just beer, wine and popcorn.

[edit] I buzz backwards and just saw Euro's latest post.  I tend to agree that the overall booking was a bit . . . off.  The size of the venue is perfect for shows with crowds too big for the Earl and too small for the Variety.  The Echo managed to position itself as a perfect momma bear spot for those shows and did a great job bringing in national and local acts.  $15 or even $25 covers for national acts in an intimate setting could go a long way toward paying rent.

I believe icehouse's space and proximity to residences plays a big part in why it works for Variety and not them.  They have to have X% of revenue from food to have beer and entertainment in the same space.  Hence the need for Atlanta to ease up on their licensing bs.  Variety doesn't have to worry about it unless they make it up in popcorn sales.  That's some expensive popcorn.