If you absolutely abhor Miami's hipster culture, you can probably blame the defunct nightclub Soho Lounge for its existence. At the turn of the century, it was the center for the kind of Miami nightlife "cool" that was soon co-opted by the rest of downtown and, eventually, South Beach.
Classic indie-dance nights like Spider-Pussy and Revolver matured at Soho Lounge while Lauren Reskin of Sweat Records used to put on a night called Vice at the NE 36th Street party spot before moving on to other nights like Plastik Fantastik at Studio A and Saturdays at Circa 28.
In the end, Miami's nightlife culture owes a lot to Soho Lounge. And in many ways, the multi-level club foreshadowed the scene that's now taken over the Design District, Midtown, and Wynwood.
But since 2007, the space has remained empty -- until now.
See also: E11even Miami Nightclub Opening at Former Goldrush Strip Club
On Monday, Wood Tavern announced on its Facebook page that it had signed a lease for the building at 175 NE 36th Street.
And today, Wood owner Cesar Morales tells Crossfade that he plans to open a traditional dance club in the space, adding that it's "much needed" in the area.
Soho Lounge was made up of several rooms, but Morales says his new nightclub will only use the main room on the top level. He explains that the landlord has signed up retail clients for the bottom floor, but he hopes to be able to add a food option for hungry club-goers since Soho's original kitchen space still remains.
"I want to do something fun, but also honor the history of the place," says Morales. Tentatively, he says, that we can expect a hipster dance party reminiscent of Revolver and Spider-Pussy on Fridays, as well as house music on Saturdays.
No word yet on what the new incarnation of Soho will be called or an exact opening date beyond the vague "mid December."
Update: Seems we overlooked the fact that the space will be called Bizerq, as confirmed by the Facebook page which is already live.
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