Construction Of New Music Venue In Fishtown Coming Along
By Paul Kurtz
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Work is said to be on schedule toward the October opening of a big, new local music venue - The Fillmore Philly.
There are now only traces left of the long-abandoned Ajax metal manufacturing company. Construction crews are approaching the final phase of Live Nation's ambitious plan to transform one big part of the Fishtown building into a 2,500 hundred capacity music hall and a smaller club within a club upstairs.
Numerous strategically placed 50-foot bars are almost finished along with the main stage and seating.
Live Nation's Dave Fortin says it's a big venue, but intimate at the same time:
"How cool is it for the artist? You can almost high-five some of the people in the VIP boxes, I could see the persons face in the mezzanine seating right there."
Fortin says they've placed a big emphasis on providing great sound -- in this case a 280,000 watt system -- great sight lines and easy access to adult beverages. You don't even have to attend the show to go to the bar.
The building will also house a bowling alley, distillery and restaurant.
The Fillmore is scheduled to feature Philly's own Hall & Oates opening night.
