After 12 years, Manhattan’s Highline Ballroom is getting pushed out. But it ain’t over yet.
After a twelve-year run, New York’s Highline Ballroom is moving out of its 431 W 16th St. digs. The club hosted a range of different styles, from jazz to folk to hip hop, with stars like Adele, Rihanna, Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, and The Roots gracing the venue’s stage.
The eclectic list of performers also included Steve Martin and Amanda Palmer, not to mention legends like Lou Reed.
Amazing stuff, but apparently not enough to pay the lofty lease demands of the property’s owner. Accordingly, Highline is moving out effective February. The club’s owner, Steven Bensusan, indicated that the boot arrived with little warning, though he’s now scouting new locations.
He also pointed to a growing problem for clubs and entertainment venues in New York, a notoriously high-priced real estate market.
Here’s an official statement from Bensusan, emailed to DMN this (Friday) afternoon.
Statement on Highline Ballroom Closing
Unfortunately after 12 years our landlord has decided not to renew Highline Ballroom’s lease. For over a year we were led to believe that a renewal was imminent, however it is now clear that the landlord has other plans for the building. This is obviously a growing trend within the New York real estate market impacting various entertainment venues and businesses.
We plan on reopening Highline Ballroom at a new location in the Chelsea/Meatpacking District and are currently looking at options. We hope to be able to announce our plans soon.
In the meantime our final show date and programming will be announced shortly.
We have been very fortunate to present some of music’s biggest names in a small club atmosphere; Lou Reed, Paul McCartney, The Killers, Amy Winehouse, The Black Keys, Artic Monkeys, Adele, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, The Roots and so many more have performed on the stage at Highline Ballroom. It is a shame that we have to close our doors, though we are grateful for the support we have received from fans and artists over the years in making the original Highline Ballroom location a truly unique experience.
Steven Bensusan
Owner, Highline Ballroom