The Good Neighbor Committee has had an active Spring. We successfully negotiated Good Neighbor Agreements with two new ventures. First, Wild Ivories Dueling Piano Club approached us with their plans for the former Buca di Beppo space at 14th and Market. In addition to using the main floor as a dueling piano club along the lines of Sing Sing, where the principals formerly worked, they proposed to use the basement as a lounge space for which they sought a Dance Cabaret (in addition to the Hotel and Restaurant License they were applying for). We had a good discussion about the issues and subsequent negotiations were successful. Highlights of the agreement are that, in addition to standard provisions, they have identified a concept for both floors and agreed not to change it without LoDoNA approval and they have agreed to convert the Dance Cabaret to a Standard Cabaret before any sale or transfer.
We also became aware in March of plans that Mike Barsch, the owner of the Marquis, 20th and Larimer Sts., had for a live music venue–to be called Summit Hall and focused on the under 25 crowd, including under 21–for the former Bash space, 1902 Blake St. He plans to make the back part of the space into a concert venue (capacity +/- 700) for 6-10 performances a month and run the front part as a bar/restaurant. Once the performances are over, anticipated to be no later than midnight—obviously before bar let-out—under age folks will be required to leave. We were generally impressed that he was a savvy operator, and limited further research showed he runs decent operations at Marquis and a similar place in Colo. Springs.
Following additional meetings with Mike and his lawyers and lots of email exchanges, we reached an acceptable agreement. It contains very detailed business and age monitoring plans, which Summit has agreed not to change without consultation with us, etc. There are provisions for regular meetings between the Committee and Summit and meditations if there are issues that can’t be resolved. We were all impressed that Michael really wants to be a good neighbor and we certainly expect his operations will be a definite improvement.
In sum, the two agreements with Wild Ivories and The Summit, which were both approved by the LoDoNA Board, have advanced the goal of a vibrant neighborhood, while at the same time providing good safeguards on the “safe and secure” side.
There continue to be issues with Lavish, 1448 Market St. They filed for a Dance Cabaret despite a provision in our agreement that they would not do so. For that reason, Excise and Licenses declined to set a hearing, which prompted Lavish’s lawyers to file a motion requesting a hearing, apparently on the theory that the condition saying Lavish could not file for a Dance Cabaret is not valid. A hearing has been set a couple times but continued for various reasons. In the meantime, we are attempting to see whether there is some basis for resolving the issues surrounding Lavish and LoDoNA’s relationship.
In other matters, a new application for an H&R license at 1555 Blake St. (Sugar Cube) has been filed, a meeting has been held, and we have executed an agreement. Cholon Bistro will be an upscale Asian eatery. In addition, a transfer of the license for the former Il Fornaio space—to be called Big Game—is in the works, and we have made initial contacts to discuss their operations. Mangiamo Pronto, 17th and Wazee, has filed for a patio, which we don’t see as problematic, but we will seek assurances about its not being open too late—no problem now, because they close at 9:00 pm. Finally, we have met with the proprietors of a restaurant to be called Fresh Craft, which will be located in the former Thunderbird BBQ space at 1530 Blake St. We have met and given them a draft agreement
Of some potential concern to us is the filing by 5 Degrees, 1475 Lawrence St., for an Under Age permit. We have met with the owner, Francois Safieddine, and made him aware of our concerns. Another meeting will be held in the near future.
