So… Now What?
As reported by so many before me, The Birchmere is dead. I was among the many that wanted it to come, mainly because it seemed like a great thing to have a large, live music venue in the area. But I’m not as disappointed at its demise as I thought I’d be.
I lived in Crystal City for three years, just a small hop from the original Birchmere in Alexandria, and in that entire span of time, I never went. Not once. Every once in a while I’d find a show that sounded attractive, but never enough to motivate me to buy tickets. Silver Spring, Singular hit the nail on the head with some of his comments. If we can get something better that would have more universal appeal, why not try?
As far as the county is concerned, I understand the motivation in terms of revenue. Sure, I think they make some boneheaded decisions sometimes, but I’m going to adopt a wait-and-see approach on this one.
The next news, as reported in the Washington Post, is that LiveNation is looking to come in and turn the old JCPenny building into one of its Fillmore-branded clubs. From a music perspective, it sounds like it has real potential, but there has already been chatter lambasting the idea in terms of attracting undesirables and adding to the chainification that could suck the local flair out of the area. We’d certainly get all NIMBYed out if something like House of Blues (another LiveNation venue) came in.
I have previously mentioned the thought of Blues Alley moving to the area, but I think a venue that large wouldn’t work properly for the intimate atmosphere that makes that establishment what it is. And the talk of a stand-up nightclub doesn’t appeal to me in the least.
Perhaps we should start a list of what we think should go there? I’ve heard a cell phone store might do well…
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That’s all the world needs .. one more addition to the ClearChannel megopoly (for those who were fooled, LiveNation is clearchannel’s “venue” arm of the business… includes nissan pavilian and many many others) Crazy idea here… but why doesn’t the county search for a local entrepreneur interested in it? Considering the millions in financial incentives, I don’t imagine it would be too hard. Why is the default option to find a big-business?
The Revenue Generators’ first album was good, but they’ve gone downhill since then.
As far as Clear Channel, yes they are evil but can book the big bands that a “local entrepreneur” can’t.
I didn’t know that about Live Nation. Clear Channel is pure evil. I’d rather have an empty building.
The Fillmore might be a blessing as it would require the drug dealers to move across Colesville Rd. and I could walk home from the AFI in peace.
Even some mid-level acts would be great. As long as it’s not Journey or Foghat or something like that.
And I hear that the Revenue Generators are getting a new front man. Might pick things up a bit…
The Revenue Generators? It may be Shark Week, but I’m not biting.
rd… you’ve had an empty building… for 20+ years.
Let’s have a show of hands… who wants an empty building for another 20 years? Bueller? Bueller?
Doesn’t matter what we think, anyway. We don’t own the building. I am certain that the owner will try to maximize their revenue from this high profile piece of real estate. Located in a city.
I wouldn’t be shocked if a corporate entity invested in the site. That is what happens in cities. Near major intersections. Located at or near public transit.
A private entrepreneur did express interest in the site. The Birchmere. Evidently, they couldn’t get the deal done.
Although, *I* think it remains to be determined what happens with their involvement. Feels like high stakes poker being played to me. And there is a big pot of money in the middle of the table.
Building is a term being used loosely in this thread. It’s really just a “storefront” right now. With surface parking behind it.
Let’s just knock down the building and build a highrise residential condo project. We definitely need more of those. I’m sure the Patriot Group would be interested.
From the sound of it on the message boards, it looks like The Birchmere is as much to blame as anyone. According to a discussion with Ike Leggett:
And that was just one of the talking points.
I was kidding about wanting to keep the building empty…
The JCPenney site is perfect for a live music or comedy club venue & the empty lot behind the Lee Bldg should be turned into a parking garage. I’m sure once the City Place Mall tower gets built we will definitely need more parking. If the new owners of City Place actually improve the mall then we may get even more people driving in.