fillmore is here to stay (updated)

The Fillmore, a nationwide chain of music clubs owned by promoter Live Nation, signed a lease today with Montgomery County to open a new branch on Colesvile Road. Renderings courtesy of Hickok Cole Architects.

"I still think it was a rip-off and we could have done better." - Councilman Marc Elrich (D-At Large)

In Saturday's Post, Councilmembers Elrich and Praisner wonder if the County - which already owns Strathmore in North Bethesda and the BlackRock Center in Germantown, among other arts venues - can or should hold the title to another facility, especially one that'll be run by a corporate entity with their own ideas about how the space should be used. (After all, Ike Leggett said he likes Michael Bolton . . . but will Live Nation book him if he can't fill a room?)

From a Montgomery County press release issued today:

"Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett announced today that Montgomery County and Live Nation have reached agreement on a lease that will create a dynamic new music, entertainment, and community use venue in downtown Silver Spring, a move that will dramatically bolster economic development and the music scene for that community and the County as a whole . . .

"The State of Maryland and Montgomery County will contribute $4 million each – for a total $8 million in public investment -- toward the cost of building the facility, which will be owned by the County.

Live Nation will not receive any County or State funding."

Months of controversy, neighborhood complaints, a contentious counter-bid from the owner of the 9:30 Club and a budget crisis could not stop The Fillmore from signing a lease for the old J.C. Penney Building on Colesville Road. Check out the rest of the press release at the County's website.