Richard's Days are Numbered - 1/2 Alive Jumps Ship
Richard's on Richards for those of you who don't know has been the focus of a number of rumors regarding it's fate.
Here's what has happened:
A couple of years ago the Aquilini Group bought Richard's and the surrounding property. There was one lot left on the land owned by a little old lady who had been living there for 50 years. She finally sold last year for several million dollars (16 I think). Richard's was given a 2 year lease extension last year - although construction preparation had already begun for the new condo building to be put up on that lot. An investigation of the public record confirms that this new building will necessitate the demolition of Richard's on Richards nightclub.
Today construction has begun on the condo showcase to be built on the Aquilini / Richard's lot.
Richard's on Richards has a special place in many people's heart who value the Vancouver music scene. In my opinion it's the last reason to ever venture into Yaletown. Hopefully someone steps up to replace it as a venue somewhere else in the city, but downtown will never be the same.
In other related news, 1/2 Alive is moving from Richard's to Pub 340. A wise decision. I'm still of the opinion that they never should have left the Columbia, but Pub340 should be good.
Labels: clubbing, news, vancouver, vancouver news
posted by antiguru @ 2:43 PM
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