The new ownership of Webster Hall sent out an email yesterday with a bare-bones announcement:
To our closest friends,
Happy New Year, we've missed you! While we've been closed, we have made some venue enhancements and think you will dig them. While updates are still underway, we are pleased to say that Webster Hall will return in Spring 2019.
This announcement took Webster Hall watchers by surprise. Some previous reports suggested that the new concert venue wouldn't be ready until 2020. Billboard reported that there may be a name change here too.
However, it appears that the Webster Hall name will live on ... as seen in a digital rebrand and updated logo posted to Instagram (see below).
As previously reported, Webster Hall closed here on 11th Street between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue in August 2017. Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment and The Bowery Presents bought the landmarked building from the Ballinger family for $35 million in a deal announced in the spring of 2017.
The new ownership filed permits in December 2017 for interior demolition and structural work to renovate the facility and make it ADA compliant. The city approved those permits in March 2018.
Given the scope of the work, there doesn't seem to be that much activity coming from behind the plywood. (Of course it seems downright sedate compared to the full-tilt action going on at the new 13-story Moxy East Village directly across the street.)
EVG reader Tony took these photos from behind the plywood back in the fall showing some old outside wall demo and new I-beam ...
The Washington, D.C.-based Martinez+Johnson Architecture (now part of OTJ Architects) is behind the interior makeover. Per their website, the firm brings "their design sensitivities to cultural arts and institutional projects." Their work includes the restoration of the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn and the Boston Opera House.
Spectrum Catering and Concessions, which services the Music Hall of Williamsburg, Rough Trade and Brooklyn Steel, among other venues, is responsible for the food and beverage here. They applied for a liquor license via CB3 for the address back in the summer of 2017. According to the PDF of the application online at CB3, the old Marlin Room would serve as an additional bar and waiting area for concertgoers entering the grand ballroom.
The building has been around since 1886. It re-opened as Webster Hall in October 1992 after the Ballinger family purchased and renovated the space that was known as The Ritz during the 1980s.
And now the new-look logo...
Previously on EV Grieve:
When Webster Hall reopens, there might be a Moxy Hotel across the street
First sign of upcoming renovations at the former Webster Hall
Permits filed to renovate Webster Hall
The Webster Hall marquee looks to be in danger of falling
The Webster Hall marquee
Plywood arrives at Webster Hall
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