The Majestic Theater will replace Club Majestic as the new venue at 115 King St., after the new owners spent numerous hours addressing the issue of violence that has plagued the location for more than a year.
""We want this place to become the cornerstone of our community culture,"" said part-owner Matt Gerding. ""It's not a cover charge type of bar anymore.""
Gerding, who shares ownership with Scott Leslie and Bryan Ellefson, said his venue would be completely different from the previous Club Majestic, which seemed to attract endless bar fights and other alcohol-related problems.
The new Majestic Theater, according to Gerding, will stage live concerts, national book tours and other community events. Gerding said he predicts most shows will end around midnight instead of bar time to avoid hostile situations.
""The No. 1 difference is that our operation is completely different,"" Gerding said. ""We've met with Mary Schauf of the Madison Police Department Alderman Mike Verveer, and Joel Plant to make an elaborate security plan and address the community's concerns.""
Verveer, who represents District 4, said the number of problems at Club Majestic became very severe in the summer of 2006 when there were repeated incidents of gunshots and stabbings. Verveer also said the new venue will differ from Club Majestic in that it will be more music oriented.
""The applicants have convinced me through many conversations that they are going to be nothing like the former Club Majestic,"" Verveer said. ""I do not foresee any problems.""
In addition to creating a clean image, the new owners are awaiting the acquisition of a liquor license, which could take a couple of months.
David Keller of Keller Real Estate said Majestic Theater has not yet closed the deal because it is contingent on the acquisition of a liquor license. Keller said if the acquisition is successful, the new establishment should be open for business in late August or early September.
Joel Plant, Madison's Alcohol Policy coordinator, said the earliest the Majestic Theater would be able to attain its liquor license would be May 1, following City Council approval.
Plant said it could be difficult for the new owners to rid the establishment of stereotypes of violence and crime, but noted that they have taken the necessary precautions.
""I'm not naA_ve enough to think that alcohol related problems will ever go away,"" Plant said. ""But with proper management, a large amount of problems can be deterred.""
