Webster Hall Wants a Bailout

You'd think over-charging for drinks (including water) for all these years would have given them a nice financial cushion...but allegedly Webster Hall is in debt and in danger of closing. DBTH reports that "the club is in serious arrears to the City, State and vendors, and may be on the verge of declaring bankruptcy." It's the usual story of overdue rent, bounced checks, back taxes, bills piling up and creditors knocking on the door. "They are looking for some kind of bail out from the state (for the taxes issues) and the landlord (apparently they would like their rent lowered by half until things "get better")." Guess their new Studio venture hasn't been bringing in the cash, but maybe the bridge & tunnel crowd that pack into the place on club nights can help bring in the $600K they need. Nightclub shenanigans aside, it would be a shame to see the place shutter, considering it's been open since the late 1800s and hosting music since the 1950s.

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By Jen Carlson in Arts and Events on June 3, 2009 12:34 PM

Comments [rss]

MrManhattan

NYU will buy it, wreck it, and builld a dorm with an ironic name.

How about "Palladium II"?

NannyState

-with a fake Keith Haring mural!

Guest

Webster Hall is a horrible venue for any kind of music, b&t crowd or not. In the words of Public Enemy, "Shut Em Down, Shut Em, Shut Em Down!"

Burg

Don't worry. If it closes, I'm sure someone will purchase / re-open.

I actually worked there in the late 90's (barback/scrub) dropping balloons on people (NYE) while they partied like it was 1999.

I really hope they aren't bailed out. Not necessary.

A school? yes. Subway? sure. Not this.

Fun is fun but we need to really start thinking about necessities instead of pleasure.

Bottomless Chips

Wait...why is bailing out a school and subway necessary? Don't the same economic principles and historical learnings you used to hypothesize that someone will re-open Webster Hall also applicable to schools and the subway?