Underbelly/Lomax closing.

[RiversideLoki]

Hat-tip to Jack Diablo...

http://www.folioweekly.com/documents/folio0614wkl007.pdf

Two popular Five Points clubs that have
helped shape the neighborhood’s cultural
ethos are on their way out â€" both victims
of neighbor’s complaints and unyielding
landlords. Underbelly and the Lomax Lodge
will be gone by the end of August, a blow to
their dedicated local followers who came for
the homegrown atmosphere and live music.
Surprisingly, both clubs â€" the hip-hop, noise
and punk-friendly Lomax, and the mellower,
singer-songwriter vibe of Underbelly â€" drew
noise complaints. Emily Moody, co-owner
of Underbelly, and Ian Ranne, co-owner of
Lomax, say their landlords told them they’d
been hammered by noise complaints from other
Five Points neighbors. Moody, who for six years
operated the indie clothing store Anomaly at
the 1021 Park St. location, last year cleared the
debris out from behind her business and two
others. She „ lled the open space with vintage
sofas and other furniture, strung a live oak tree
with white Christmas lights and christened the
space Underbelly

[PeeJayEss]

That sucks...who actually lives close enough to either of these places to complain about noise? And who moved into Five Points that was looking for a quiet suburb? Who are their landlords?

[duvaldude08]

Instead of forcing them out, why didnt the landlords try to work with them about it? That is absolutely ridiculous.

[riverside planner]

So does this mean that Emily is closing up Anomaly as well or just Underbelly?

[RiversideLoki]

Instead of forcing them out, why didnt the landlords try to work with them about it? That is absolutely ridiculous.

I think with Insetta's place going in, the landlords are seeing dollar signs. Please note that I don't think this has absolutely ANYTHING to do with Insetta. I just believe that the landlords think they can shove out the tenants and get some high dollar chains in to cash in on the trend. It may be smart business sense for them, but at what cost?

[Shwaz]

That sucks...who actually lives close enough to either of these places to complain about noise? And who moved into Five Points that was looking for a quiet suburb? Who are their landlords?

I used to live across from O'Brothers and got blasted by noise a few times from the Lomax until 2am. At first it was a nuisance and drove me crazy because I couldn't figure out where the noise was coming from... then one night walking home through 5 Points I realized it was coming from the Lomax leaving their backdoor open... which spilled out into the alley... which amplified the noise and directed it right at my bedroom window.

I dropped in that night and explained the problem to the bartender and he shut & locked the door immediately. Only one other time did I have to go back to make the request and again they took care of it post haste.

O'Brothers was much more noisy but they shut it down most nights a little earlier.

Such a shame... I hope they can find a more friendly location.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

It depends on how you look at it DD08.  If you read the full article from Folio, Ian admits that his club is really loud on some nights and probably does bother Sake House. 

I also agree with the statement made in the article that it's totally about gentrification of the area - and that a landlord would prefer a boutique shop instead of a bar/club that caters to a younger (read unruly) crowd.

I've never been to Underbelly, so I don't have firsthand info, but based on the tone of the article, I'm not sure why she's being asked to leave.  I don't think that any of the businesses around her are even open during the times that the space would have live shows.  If I had to guess, I would assume that the LL feels like he's getting shafted with one of his tenants using the space behind the building rent free.  Especially since his plans are now to subdivide the space with privacy fence.

[comncense]

...Downtown in E-Town?

[Tacachale]

That's awful. If this keeps up there won't be anywhere to hear non-cover band live music in 5 Points.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

Yeah, but the move to Brooklyn could possibly pan out really well.  It may not jumpstart the area, but it can't hurt.  Everyone that wanting to see a show at Lomax won't have any problems making the extra 10-15 blocks into Brooklyn.  Plus, he has a little experience in developing a club in not-so-great areas.  RE:  Shantytown.

[Tacachale]

Honestly, I can see where they're coming from with Underbelly. It's an outdoor venue that grew out of a storefront that was something else entirely. It's something different entirely than it was when the owners moved in. Still no reason to push them out entirely.

At any rate Underbelly has proven successful enough that they deserve a more dedicated space - in a more accomodating facility. I hope it pans out.

I agree that Lomax moving to Brooklyn could be good too. But it still sucks that venues are being pushed out of 5 Points.

[triclops i]

Thanks to Folio for cleaning out the rumor mill. This is a pretty accurate account of the situation. We are still looking for a new home at this point, anyone with leads please hit me up at triclopsi@hotmail.com. We are great tenets and ALWAYS pay our rent on time. We would love to stay in the Riverside area to better serve our customers in the neighborhood. I will be sure to keep everyone posted.

Ian Ranne
Lomax Lodge/Shantytown Pub/ Burro Bar

[triclops i]

And for the record, its not the end of the world! I am sure in my career I will sign atleast 20 more leases....we knew this was a year and a half lease when we acquired it from the fella who used to own Steamworks Pub. At the end of the day we had a good run in that location, made some money, and own all the equipment to move anywhere we please!

I

[RiversideLoki]

Have you looked in the King Street district? I know several of us that would be happy to have your establishment within walking distance!

[Lucasjj]

I second the King Street district. Have no clue of the rent cost, but there is that place directly across from Kickbacks that is available.