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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

News / Gossip (No, Not the Band) The Woods to Potentially Close Its Doors in January

Posted by Ned Lannamann on Wed, Dec 14, 2011 at 4:00 PM

thewoods.jpg

Sad news: Former Sellwood funeral home-turned-music venue The Woods is likely not long for this world. The owners of the Woods are lingering negotiations with their landlord over the lease, and the outlook isn't good. Unfortunately, the property owners are looking to hike up the space's rent, which essentially prices out the venue, necessitating in it closing its doors. (And if that is the case, the property owners have plans for the lot—and comfy, cozy music venue isn't part of those plans.) Lease negotiations remain open until later this week, but the outlook isn't good. Barring a last-minute miracle, the days of the Woods are numbered.

More information and confirmation in the next couple days—including the possibility of a closing celebration, if things do indeed go the way they seem to be headed.

A personal note here: The Woods is my favorite venue in town, for a variety of reasons: The booking, which ranges from music to readings to comedy to dance nights, is exceptional. Every show I've seen there feels like something extraordinary, perhaps due to the space's intimacy, which is the antithesis of your typical rock club. The building itself is slathered in ambiance, both from its former incarnation as a funeral home—it can be downright spooky in there—but also from the incredible design and decor that the owners brought within the space. I'll be incredibly unhappy to see this place go.

 

Comments (8) RSS

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1
Sellwood - are you OK with letting the owner bulldoze this building?!
Posted by sg on December 14, 2011 at 4:26 PM · Report
2
My favorite venue as well, I think. Totally lame to see it go.
Posted by Lewi on December 15, 2011 at 11:01 AM · Report
3
That totally sucks. Take a great venue that does great things for the neighborhood and force them out. Congratulations, landlord, you officially suck.
Posted by James Dineen on December 15, 2011 at 12:00 PM · Report
4
I want to know how we can talk to the owners to stop this. They need to know that there is more value in building a community than making a dollar off an office space!
Posted by chatterbox on December 15, 2011 at 7:22 PM · Report
5
Agreed! Agreed! My favorite venue in town, and I know I'm not alone. What can we do? A petition???
Posted by Mod Miss on December 15, 2011 at 10:26 PM · Report
6
I've had the exact same feeling you describe: every show I go to there feels like something extraordinary is happening. I've had that thought so many times at shows there: something meaningful is happening right now and I can feel it!

It must be saved!
Posted by Mod Miss on December 15, 2011 at 10:28 PM · Report
7
LAAAAAAAAME what do we do to stop this?!?!
Posted by KRM99 on December 16, 2011 at 12:18 AM · Report
8
Maybe if you had better grammar this wouldn't have happened. Stupid, nobody cares, and it's a common misconception that funeral homes are creepy.
Posted by gravy on December 16, 2011 at 1:29 PM · Report

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