Main Street Pub/music venue White Mule Closes (Columbia, Vance: apartment, tenants)

[kingofCola]

For a post mortem see columbia closings story
I'm optimistic that the recently vacated Main spces where Mule and Hennessey's restaurant occupied will find new tenants in 2012.

[kingofCola]

once that new parking garage is finished by summer and the Nickolodeon moves in and the conversion of the former Rhodeway in into an apartment building is complete you'll start to see net gains in tenant counts on Main street.

[Columbiadata]

Word is there's interest in the Hennessey's space, maybe even for a new restaurant that retains the name. It had a good run at 25 years. Live music holes in the wall are a tough business to be in when you're not in a district people think of when they want to go out for some music. Also, I hear Columbia has a fickle live music fan base.

[ranger17]

Originally Posted by Columbiadata

Word is there's interest in the Hennessey's space, maybe even for a new restaurant that retains the name. It had a good run at 25 years. Live music holes in the wall are a tough business to be in when you're not in a district people think of when they want to go out for some music. Also, I hear Columbia has a fickle live music fan base.

I dont have much history here yet, but even back in Madison the music clubs (near campus as well) could have a tough time. Some could hang for awhile, even drawing larger acts (saw Metallica early on, Pat Benatar, Prince, etc there)... just to turn into a dance club..... then a sports bar... then a music club... well you get the idea. I always thought that just cuz we were in a college town didnt mean the kids brought the same musical taste each year that would drive those existing clubs. Maybe same down here over time as well

[GSP101]

How long was the mule around? I heard that Hennessey's was lookin for someone to re-open the restaurant. Not sure how that will go. This may be a topic for another thread but, I saw pics recently of undgerground Columbia. Not to "pump sunshine" but, that place looked very cool. Has there ever been an attempt to renovate and open?

[Columbiadata]

They talked about it years ago. It will take more time for Main Street to come around, and the basement might be renovated eventually. The building's (the Arcade mall) owners said in the The State the other day that they have chosen to focus on the ground and upper floors for now and that bringing the basement up to code would be very expensive. The White Mule was there probably about two years actually.

[101everett]

Originally Posted by kingofCola

For a post mortem see columbia closings story
I'm optimistic that the recently vacated Main spces where Mule and Hennessey's restaurant occupied will find new tenants in 2012.

Man that was kinda a cool place. Why did it close?

[Columbiadata]

The Vista and Five Points.

[LexingtonDad]

Hennessey's was doomed once SCANA left downtown.

White Mule had too much competition and didn't change fast enough to keep up.

[SMKWebDesign]

I too was very sad when Joe and Paula were forced to close. TWM was never meant to be some sort of hippity hip joint. It was merely a place where local talent could come and showcase their acoustic skillz with friends, family, and fans alike. TWM did more for the local music scene than most any other venue while they were open but unfortunately, most of Columbia's "Music Fans" are fair weather at best.

I'm still hopeful Joe will consider getting back into the local scene but have been told it will likely not happen.

All that said, having Vance McNabb heading up things over at the 5 POINTS PUB gives us all something to be very excited about. Vance has been very successful with his previous ventures in and about the Columbia area so as long as area residents want it, Vance is the man to bring it. Others seem to be following suit as well. Many local joints are stepping up and bringing some incredible talent to their stages. They're doing their part so we need to do ours!

The 5 POINTS PUB is only one of many great venues in and around 5 POINTS. If you're not normally the type who hits downtown every weekend, please try and plan at least one evening each month when you pick one local venue you've not previously been to, and give it a try. These local businesses NEED us as much as we need them. And besides, when it comes to talent, Columbia is the cream rising to the top! Why wouldn't you want to be a part of what is the fabulous beginning to many young careers?

This was my first post here at City Data but I look forward to participating much more in the future!

Peace!
The Reverend