New nightspot "The Republic" destined for downtown's Five Points area?

I wish there were more details to share -- but, hey, we go with what we've got here sometimes, right?

There've been rumors for a couple of weeks of a new bar/nightclub slated for downtown. Purportedly named The Republic, we've heard it will be located near Five Points, which -- from Toast to Bull McCabe's to Whiskey to the upcoming Beyú Caffé -- has emerged as one of the strongest retail districts in Durham's city center.

The site appears to be the first floor of 353 W. Main St., formerly the Triangle Empowerment Center.

Supporting evidence? Well, a new LLC was filed in Durham County last month called The Republic, LLC.

The link between the two comes down to public records.

One Frederick Alston is the registered agent for The Republic LLC, listing a 353 W. Main St. address. Meantime, building permit records show that Alston and building owner Robert Anderson began in late September the process of pulling a building permit for uplift construction to the space, including restroom and sink facilities.

Since some renovations are still needed, it's not clear how quickly this will come to fruition, though we suspect we're looking at a month or two.

We'll share more as we know it on the latest addition to downtown.

(H/t to DurhamBikeRacks.com from which I snared the photo.)

Comments

[Ron Rhue]

I'm hearing it's not a night club but a bar and a swanky lounge (no smoking). I think this is great for the area. I'm tired of going all the way to Raleigh just to hang out in a cool place. I love to drink but not really big on dancing so this sounds perfect.

[Chris]

Durham should be careful not to replicate Raleigh's dubious "success" with its Glenwood South redevelopment which seems to continue to evolve as a nightclub and entertainment district rather than a viable multiuse area. Bars, coffee shops, and restaurants are great. But mixing in retail stores that are open late and have weekend hours will help Durham become the "stroll district" that it can be -- extending from Brightleaf, through the West Village and new Main St., and into downtown.

[Craig]

I heard about this maybe two days ago. I live in Durham and if all the rumors are true, this is what I've been waiting for. A classy place to go, have a drink, listen to good music, and enjoy myself. Its time for Downtown Durham to start showing us some options. Can't wait... BullCityRising.com. TELL US MORE!!!

[The Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce]

Sounds like a great spot for Durham folks. We cannot wait to hear more!

[Sara]

Ron and Craig, I think what you want already exists - it's called whiskey. that said, another won't hurt, and I'm always excited to have more options!

[Phil]

I went to Whiskey on Saturday night and was kind of amused/annoyed/tickled that Main St. at Brightleaf was blocked off for the beer fest (or something), and that parking was scarce all around Five Points because of the crowds at Bull McCabe's and Whiskey.

My office is also at Five Points. It's fun to notice that sometimes I have to -give way- on the sidewalk because of all the fellow pedestrians.

[Jonn]

I am big on dancing..and i wish there was a better dance option than Shooters II. I'm into the Pinhook dance nights...more of that please. maybe warehouse parties?????? we have to act fast, before the warehouses are all lofts.

[kat]

Jonn, I think the lack of warehouse-type dance clubs is probably because of regulations around # of bathrooms required per x square footage or x occupancy. I believe this is what "killed" 305 South; they had a great and big space, but only some small bathrooms, and not enough cash to renovate. this city sometimes shoots itself in the foot.

[jonn]

I never went to 305 south but i remember going to their website before. What happened to Ringside?

AND another thing. Its odd that they're potentially naming this bar "the republic" since theres already a business downtown named "the republik". But whatever, i'm excited for another new bar.

And i'm super-stoked for Fullsteam.

[bb]

"this city sometimes shoots itself in the foot."

The plumbing code that requires toilets and sinks is a state and national code, not a city code. Durham has nothing to do with it, other than enforcement, and cannot simply look the other way when a worthwhile cause floats by. Everyone has to play by the same rules, especially since something like this is a public health issue. If you're thinking about buying or leasing that cool old warehouse, you better be prepared to do your research, hire an architect, know what you're about to get into, do things right, and not depend on the city to do you favors just because you're doing a good thing. 305 South folks are awesome people, but they jumped without knowing how deep the water was.

[durhamois]

Just drove by last night and noticed The Republic is opened. It seems to be cultivating a particularly diverse, multi-cultural crowd. I'm gonna check it out tonight. If the drinks are good, it should be a vital part of Durham nightlife.

Here's the description from their website:

The Republic is the embodiment of sophistication, egalitarianism, and novelty. Barriers between people, art, fashion, and ideologies have been meticulously torn down, creating a sui generis product, and an environment that is unprecedented. The Republic represents the passion of the Avant-garde and embraces the new and unknown.

For the people, by the people...

http://www.therepublicnc.com/