Believe it or not, this building was the former home of Mulligan's on Hertel, one of Rick James' favorite clubs in Buffalo. Then, for years there was an antique shop located inside, and now the use is changing back to... well, not a discotheque, but a live music joint. Owner/operator Tony Carrubba is planning on bringing a live music scene to east end of Hertel, and will feature bands on a platform stage in the front window of the 3500 square foot nightclub. "I'm hoping to jumpstart this end of Hertel," Tony told me. "The plan is to feature live music and entertainment, and as for the crowd, we'll play it by ear - it really depends on who shows up to listen to the live music." There are no confirmed bands on the opening line-up so far, but the hunt is on.
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Regardless of the type of crowd, one thing is clear. More than anything else there will be a mix of music lovers - on the club's Facebook page the Hertel Lounge is already searching for local bands to play. As for a timeline, the club may be opening as early as this Friday. It would be great to see this place get a jumpstart with a few really good Buffalo bands. Other than live music, Hertel Lounge also features billiard tables, a jukebox, dart machines, and will sell appetizers (hours are 8pm - 4am).
Hertel Lounge
1669 Hertel Ave.
Buffalo, New York 14216
The transformation of Hertel is swift and impressive--this is another notch in the belt. Now, to enhance the neighborhood, the Ave. needs to be narrowed, and bike lanes/bump-outs/etc. need to be added. The user experience of Hertel would dramatically improve these businesses' chance of success.
Agreed. Also, how about getting rid of the billboards? They're butt ugly and ruin the sightlines of some otherwise pretty nice looking buildings. Are they even legal?
Agreed. If I could upvote this comment 1000x I would. Billboards on Hertel are atrocious. What can be done? Pressure the building owner? They're not concerned about blight, they are just happy to have the extra cash in their pocket every month.
I think the real question here is, "how will this effect the demolition of the old church at 375 Colvin?"
Just kidding. In all seriousness, when I was out for the Holiday walk a couple weeks ago I was very impressed with my 'hood, minus some the obvious issues to be dealt with.
The additions to Hertel over this past year have made our neighborhood very desirable to visit/shop for a variety of people and not just people like us that can walk there.
Good work.
That section of Hertel was just WIDENED. We got the fancy fake brick planters and dead trees to go with them. No street furniture, but pole banners.
I believe it was to include a turn lane. I would be great to get that lane back for bike lanes!
The new shops at the corner of North Park are doing their part, and I hope they, along with this new owner/investor, can steer the business association in the right direction, too.
MEG> "That section of Hertel was just WIDENED"
Hertel was rebuilt but not widened. The DOT waned to widen it in the late 90s but backed down after City and neighborhood objection. The turn lane was put in before reconstruction to calm traffic.