The Knitting Factory – the iconic Tribeca music venue known for its eclectic and cutting-edge music – will soon move across the East River to Williamsburg.
On Wednesday, Community Board 1 approved the club’s application to transfer its liquor license, setting the stage for its relocation to 361 Metropolitan Avenue, site of the former Luna Lounge.
Collin Raymond, the club’s general manager, said he hopes to open by the end of 2008.
Founded in 1987, the Knitting Factory quickly gained fame in music circles for its new, experimental music that often did not fit into traditional categories.
In addition to New York, the Knitting Factory has a club in Los Angeles and larger concert halls in Boise and Spokane.
The club started on East Houston Street in 1987, moving to its current Leonard Street location in 1994.
But the loft building in which it is housed recently went up for sale, after which it will be converted into a luxury condominium building. This compelled club personnel to seek a new location.
According to Raymond, Williamsburg was the obvious choice.
“It’s where the music scene is. It’s where people come who are into discovering new music. Back in the day it was the East Village and then Tribeca. But times change, and Williamsburg is really where it is now,” he said.
While the club in Manhattan is a triplex with three stages, plans for the new club in Williamsburg call for only one stage.
“We’re looking forward to being a smaller, simpler venue,” said President Jared Hoffman.
Raymond said he wants to make a number of upgrades to the space from what was in place at Luna Lounge, which closed recently.
For one, the sound system will get a comprehensive overhaul.
“The sound system at Luna was adequate, but it wasn’t fantastic. I want this to be the best sound system in New York City,” he said.
Just as important as the sound system will be the sound proofing, which Raymond hopes will differentiate his club from Luna Lounge, a frequent subject of noise complaints from neighbors.
“It’s not possible to be 100 percent soundless, but we have a lot of money in the budget to do the best we can,” he said.
He pointed out that the club is currently located in a six-story residential building and enjoys a good relationship with its neighbors.
At a Community Board 1 Public Safety Committee meeting two weeks ago, Knitting Factory personnel presented a petition containing the signatures of 60 neighborhood residents who support the club.
Public Safety Chairman Mieszko Kalita came away convinced they would make good on their promise to be good neighbors.
“They have been a well-established, well-run operation for many years. They know what they’re doing. They will be a good addition to the community,” he said.
