After three years of vacancy the Raleigh Depot was occupied by three nightclubs owned by a New York based developer. A few months after opening- all three have closed overnight. The clubs each targeted their own demographic but were marketed together both traditionally and non-traditionally with a blazing spotlight shot into the sky. During the club’s tenure several successful block parties had been thrown- with large crowds teaming in the streets for the surrounding blocks.
The closing is being blamed on a dispute between NC Railroad Co. and the the developer, Ronnie Davis. The contractors involved in the build out of the clubs complain of not being paid- but NCRR and Davis’ associates are pointing their fingers at each other for that responsibility.
NCRR officials issued a statement that said Davis “apparently has abandoned the business in Raleigh” but hasn’t provided any notice of termination of the lease.
“Contractors did work at the direction of (Davis’) company. NCRR does not have a contract with general contractor or subcontractors,“ NCRR spokeswoman Kat Christian said. “We’re concerned they are not going to get paid and hope it will be resolved fairly quickly.“
Ben Kuhn, an attorney for Davis, declined to comment on any financial dispute. He said Davis was sorry for leaving about 40 full- and part-time workers without jobs and leaving subcontractors with unpaid bills.
A perfect space for a large bookstore, department store or grocery in the Warehouse District’s nightclub and art scene. We predicted the Hurricane’s obsolescence last month but are excited to see an opportunity for a great new tenant. Any suggestions for what would be an appropriate occupant for the building and this area?
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