Comments on: Birchmere deal a bust?

By: Jennifer Deseo

Jennifer Deseo — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:32:03 +0000

I have contacted Bruce Lee, whose company owns the JC Penney site, to inquire about alternative development plans.

These plans may or may not involve a stand-up comedy club, as the Washington Business Journal writes. (The article cites the Birchmere as its source for this info.)

By: Terry Dowdy

Terry Dowdy — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:10:13 +0000

More than the type of venue that will eventually occupy the space, I’m now concerned about the process. Neither party seems able to agree on what went wrong, or what the differences were, based on the little info that’s come out. Now the developers are talking about a 10,000 sq ft stand-up nightclub, but no names released. What’s to say that whoever these new folks are, the same thing won’t happen to them.

Maybe I’m just a conspiracy nut, but something seems fishy. At one point everyone’s applauding the deal, next thing you hear they can’t agree. Hopefully more details will come out soon…I for one will be asking my council rep for more info.

Silver Spring Singular suggests a high-end bowling alley like Lucky Strike or Strike Bethesda. I’ve been to Lucky Strike in Chinatown for a company sponmsored event and had a blast. They even had live music space. I just hope the county doesn’t screw the next deal up.

By: chaz

chaz — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:01:29 +0000

Uh, the 9:30 Club is in a class by itself. A 9:30-type venue in SS would not survive, unless 9:30 itself went out of business–it’s like 5 miles away. I’m a little surprised the Birchmere folks think they won’t cannibalize their own market with the current Birchmere.

A smaller, Velvet Lounge- or even Iota-style rock venue or a small jazz club might do well in SS (and I’d welcome it), but I think that JC Penney space is too large for that.

The Birchmere is a good fit. The county is being shortsighted if they don’t see what a magnet it could be aside from the service jobs it will directly create and rent it may generate. Right now that site generates jack!!

By: Tdiddy

Tdiddy — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 21:32:16 +0000

Terry –

agree with everything you said up to the Quary House – went there once and it smelled like crap in there.

Bring me the 9:30 club or the DC Improv – I am sick of the child friendly fare, clubs, good independent food chains – Jaleo, Grill from Ipanema, SOMETHING! Besides Ray’s every other choice downtown is a bunch of crappy food.

By: Jennifer Deseo

Jennifer Deseo — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 19:13:44 +0000

Just wanted to clarify something …

The state and county were asked to spend a total $8 million to bring the Birchmere to Silver Spring.

The first $4 million was to drop this year ($2 million each from the state and county). The remaining $4 million (again, $2 million each) would have hit next year.

By: Terry Dowdy

Terry Dowdy — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:42:28 +0000

While I certainly see the merit in the comments from David and WeCanDoBetter, I really can’t see MoCo and the state ponying up $4 mil for a 9:30-like club. For what should be one of the most liberal/progressive counties in the nation, there are just too damn many conservative oriented people in deceison making capacities. Plus, from what I’ve read, it doesn’t appear that ANY music oriented venue will meet the rather hazy comment from Lacefield regarding “greater economic impact.” Maybe he’s dreaming of a Wal-Mart…

By: WeCanDoBetter

WeCanDoBetter — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:34:24 +0000

Amen to David’s comment!! Enough with the family-friendly venues. We are already getting the ice-rink which I know we will regret having in a few years. Downtown Silver Spring is turning to an urban environment. Let’s get a venue that can meld into the urban landscape. The Birchmere is the wrong venue to have in downtown Silver Spring. We can do better. Let’s use our $4 million dollars that the county and the state were going to throw at the Birchmere and get something that is more appropriate and can thrive in downtown Silver Spring.

By: David Zakar

David Zakar — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:57:46 +0000

Meh – we have enough family-friendly options in downtown SS. I could really go for something like the 9:30 Club or the Black Cat, like Jennifer suggested. Could be the county doesn’t want that particular crowd, of course, but it would be more to my taste.

By: Terry Dowdy

Terry Dowdy — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:34:09 +0000

It should be a venue with an established track record, a national reputation, and the ability to appeal to numerous demographic groups. This will alow them to fill a 600-750 seat space. Plus, the Birchmere is a music hall for all ages, which would fit with the family-friendly atmosphere most seem to want. Check out their site at http://www.birchmere.com/index.cfm.

By: Jennifer Deseo

Jennifer Deseo — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:21:25 +0000

Thanks for your comment, Terry. You wrote:

Every two-bit chain restaurant in the area should be begging for the Birchmere since it would bring more business to everyone.

Can the same be said for any venue that opens in that location? Or does the Birchmere hold a certain allure?