Parkwest and the Revitalization of Downtown's Nightlife Scene
Editor’s note: This is a first in a series of posts analyzing
So despite Art Basel being over, I'll be doing sporadic posts every now and then until my own project gets off the ground. I have to thank Lackner for giving me a temporary soapbox to speak my mind, because anyone who knows me very well knows my biggest problem is I can't keep my opinion to myself, whether or not they are welcomed.
Unless you were under a rock, you know last Friday was the grand opening of Park West’s new club named, ummm, Parkwest. Despite the sudden name change from Stereo to the confusing Parkwest, the venue shows lots of promise.
When Twilo occupied the space, it set out to be Space's competitor by offering a place for true house-heads to gather. Its lighting system, which I'm sad to see go, I could only describe as Daft Punk-like and overwhelming (but in the good way). Unfortunately, bad marketing and confusion as to when it was open quickly insured its demise, as well as for the never-took-of-the-ground Sound Factory (praise Jeebus!). Louis Puig (owner of Space and Cameo), being the smart business man that he is, decided it was time Pawn Shop Lounge and Y Ultra Lounge face some real competition in the upscale nightclub/lounge market. I can only hope Puig's venture into the open format club o the mainland gives all these other venues a swift kick in the ass to wake up and stop resting on their laurels.
But what is Parkwest like? Imagine the luxury of Set, combined with the gritty nature of Pawn Shop and the exclusivity of Y Ultra Lounge all rolled into one venue and you pretty much got Parkwest. I know the words luxury and gritty seem opposites, but Parkwest embraces the industrial chic ambiance. You know you are in a warehouse when you are in the venue and they aren’t afraid to accentuate that. It’s big and cavernous, with rust-painted columns and unfinished floors. Now, this might be because the place isn’t technically finished, but I say stop, leave it how it is, it's perfect to me.
While it may seem I’m reviewing the place, I just really want to give you a clear picture of the nature of Parkwest. What really is most important to me about the venue is what it signifies.
Let’s face it, the last few months Downtown’s nightlife scene seemed to have come to a halt. Downtown king Joshua Menendez packed his bags and moved all his nights to South Beach, Poplife went on a prolonged hiatus after its run as Dirty Disco at Pawn Shop and Studio A continues to not being able to establish itself as a serious nightlife contender (although I give them props for having a great line up of live acts during 2007, much improved from the previous year).
At the same time, Design District’s nightlife scene came to a complete halt after the District closed, while Amendment XXI cannot seem to shake off the neighborhood bar label it has achieved. Then there is Soho Lounge – I think I’m just going to keep my opinions to myself regarding
Fact is, unless a Downtown’s club is named Space or Nocturnal, things are probably not looking to great for you. Most ask why Downtown nightclubs struggle at staying afloat. Easy answer: they lack the continuous hordes of tourists
But lately there have been signs of growth in the area. White Room opened up recently and with it came the return of Poplife. Carmel Ophir is working hard at remodeling the old I/O Lounge spot, hoping to reopen the space early 2008 as Vagabond. But really the loudest bang in the Downtown’s scene is Parkwest. If this venue actually succeeds in turning a profit and keeping the crowds coming, but not at the expense of quality, it could once and for all prove that Downtown’s scene is worth investing. It would send a clear message that Park West, the area, can be a true competitor to
do you have an idea of what the musical demographic of PWNC? Is it radio pop? druggy house? crap rap? The idea of "open format" seems to escape me, can you spell it out in crayons for me? i was just wondering, since it wasnt in your article.