NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) Irving Plaza, the 15-year-old iconic New York venue that has hosted everyone from Woody Guthrie To The Foo Fighters, is closing its doors for eight months starting this summer as part of a multimillion-dollar makeover, Live Nation’s Clubs & Theaters division has announced.
The makeover is intended to transform the landmark performance hall with numerous upgrades and renos throughout the building. Improvements will include contemporary revamps of the lobby area and music hall, new bars on all levels of the venue, the addition of a downstairs VIP lounge, and remodeling of the mezzanine including a new box-seating section configuration located on the mezzanine.
The press release does not indicate when the venue will close but it has a full schedule for June and a steep dropoff for July (with one night of “CEG & T presents Delain, Amorphis, Anneke Van Giersbergen” booked for Sept. 20). A representative told CelebrityAccess the renovations are expected to begin this summer.
“We’re thrilled to embark on a dramatic renovation of one the world’s most treasured music venues,” said Arich Berghammer, exec VP of Live Nation Clubs & Theaters. “When we unveil these experiental upgrades—both artists and fans will enjoy an unparalleled musical experience.”
Building owner representative Mark Chroscielewski said, “The Polish Army Veterans Association has developed a deep bond with Live Nation, which goes beyond a landlord/tenant relationship. It is fitting that in the year that Poland celebrates its 100th anniversary of regaining its independence that District 2 and Live Nation have entered into an even closer long-term relationship to upgrade Irving Plaza to its original elegance and grandeur.”
The Polish Army Veterans Association, the first and oldest wounded warrior support organization in the world, had Ignacy Paderewski as its patron and benefactor. He played countless benefits raising hundreds of millions of dollars for wounded Polish American Veterans from WW1 and the purchase of the Polish Soldiers Home which houses Irving Plaza.
