I can’t believe that The Showplace Theater is still sitting empty. The last great show that I saw there was The Damned, and I still think back to how incredible the ambiance was. We were right up close to the stage, in what was one of the more intimate live music venues in the city. Not to say that the word ‘intimate’ is one that many people would readily choose when describing The Showplace, but when bands played there it was an extremely personal setting. There was no place like it around. Not to say that this was the most lavish club around – it certainly wasn’t. But that’s what made it so great. You could get away with things in The Showplace that you couldn’t get away with anywhere else. It was like being at somebody’s house… rather their oversized garage. Whenever we saw a band play at The Showplace we knew we were in for a lot of fun.
A listing on Loopnet last verified in September listed The Showplace Theater 1065 Grant St, Buffalo, NY 14207
Price:N/A
Building Size:8,000 SF
Property Type:Sport & Entertainment
Property Sub-type:Theatre/ Performing Arts
Property Use Type:Vacant/Owner-User
Last Verified 9/19/2011
Listing ID 17261026
Description: Rare 1910 theater in Buffalo NY, the Unity Theater first opened in 1910, and was changed to Showplace Theater in 1995, appx 800 sq ft with hight ceilings, balcony overlooking the stage, has sprinkler system installed and electrical updated. Great for performing arts or music concert venue. Very rare opportunity.
The Showplace website states:
The Showplace Theatre in Buffalo is available for Lease to qualified club operators. It is a premiere concert & events venue with huge potential for the right owners. If you’re an experienced concert & event promoter or nightclub operator who is interested in re-opening this awesome concert venue, call Joe (716) 713-5934 or email: joeb308@juno.com for more information about renting The Showplace Theater.
Not sure if any BRO readers have taken a look at the theater recently, but if you have. let us know some of your thoughts pertaining to the building and its potential for landing an operator anytime soon. I’ve left a voice message for Joe, and will update in the thread if I learn anything about the sale price, condition, prospects, etc.