Here’s an overview of the different venues that will be available:
1. Boomtown Theater
This 5,000 square-foot open performance space near Eighth and Main streets is scheduled to be used for a variety of entertainment, including spoken word, poetry readings, experimental theater, jazz and ballet.
On the calendar for the last week of April is “Blue Horse.”
“It will be a very versatile space,” said owner John Harrett. “It will be a medium for what you can’t see anywhere else. The City needed it. Jacksonville is limited to educational theater, a few coffeehouses and some open mikes sparsely scattered. People realize there is not much to do in this town for their art form so they leave.”
“We are hoping to form a nucleus for performers and writers in the area,” added his partner, Stephen Dare.
2. The Loft
Originally Dare’s residence, the tradition of eclectic productions will continue in his new home at Eighth and Hubbard streets. The large open area is conducive to small performances and three-dimensional art work and sculptures will be on display, too. It is located next to the 8th Street Art Gallery.
Both The Loft and Boomtown Theater are seeking original work to be performed in either space.
3. 8th Street Art Gallery
Owned by artist Ray Castro, the contemporary gallery will showcase local and non-local original art in its 1,200 square-foot space. Shows will feature a particular theme; others will be one-man shows. Castro envisions using the attached residential units to rent studio space to exhibiting artists.
“I have experience with lots of art galleries that go under because they base all their overhead on sales of art,” explained Castro of why he chooses to simultaneously operate a hotel.
“The concept is that when we have gallery openings, they [the artist-tenants] can have their studio doors open for people to view what they’re doing in their work space.”
4. Lee Harvey Gallery
Adjacent to Boomtown, the art gallery will showcase 2,000 square feet of his art and five other artists the gallery will be representing plus guest artists. The entire frontage of his business is lined with windows. Artist/owner Lee Harvey intends for them to be eye-catching by displaying controversial pieces.
5. Eden’s Performance Cafe
Formerly a seedy topless bar, this site at Seventh and Main streets is being renovated into a cabaret lounge. Live jazz, poetry, female and celebrity impersonators and two-person plays are what’s planned. Food, beer and wine will be served as well. Acting workshops will be held during daylight hours. It will provide a mixture of local and professional talent. Dressing rooms are planned to accommodate large shows and a wrought iron fence will box the entrance where a patio will be constructed.
“Variety is what will keep Springfield alive,” said proprietor Wade Davis. “We want it to be a place where you can have conversation and a great time. We want to target it to everyone.”
6. Artist loft
Across the street from Eden’s is Pateh’s Sandwich Shop. The bottom floor of the building will be remodeled to a Sicilian restaurant. Upstairs will house loft space for artists. The remainder of the block will be renovated as a pocket park. Trees and a mural, which will rotate every two months, will comprise the park.
7. Bookstore and Recording studio
Up the block from the Lee Harvey Gallery is Miami Fashion. The structure will be remodeled to tout books, music and comic books. The space above will be converted into a recording studio for music and spoken word demo tapes.
“It will be a place for musicians to jam and work on music together,” said Dare.
Both facilities are unnamed at this point. The partnership is still being negotiated.
8. Deco Theater
This weather-beaten red brick building next to the abandoned Episcopal Church just north of Eighth and Main streets will be completely revamped to host plays, dances and films. Craig Van Horn will operate the enterprise.
“This will be the first stadium theater for live action in the City,” remarked Dare. “They’re probably going to put a movie theater in there as well.”
9. The Main Street Gallery
Located at Ninth and Main streets across from Popeye’s, this art gallery will add to the new entertainment/arts district feel. Arts developer Paul Shockey will display all genres of paintings from artists based in Atlanta and Dallas.
10. Einstein’s Revenge
Next door, just south of the Main Street Gallery, will be a music club operated by Dare, Davis and Harrett. All new genres of live music will be featured: French kitsch, world beat, experimental music, Australian lounge, shansons [the French form of political songwriting] and ethnic pops.
“We’re going to feature the type of acts you never, ever see in Jacksonville,” said Dare. “Downtown needs to be paying attention to this. We don’t need gigantic buildings; we need small businesses open at night.”