The Urban Lounge Replacing Arts District’s Downtown Crown

When the Downtown Crown shuttered on Charleston Boulevard in December, a sign placed on their gate explained the closure was only temporary and raised the possibility of a quick return. That hope has been dashed by a rapid move by The Urban Lounge to take over the space.

Originally planned to occupy 1,657 square feet at the Corner Building on Main Street, The Urban Lounge has now upgraded to the more substantial corner spot, located less than a quarter of a mile away. It sits around 500 feet from another long-time Arts District "urban lounge," Artifice.

On Main Street, the lounge explicitly planned to concentrate on welcoming the neglected "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender black community" and "create a safe and fun atmosphere for people to come and be accepted, no matter their race, religion, sexual preference or gender identity." They were also preparing to offer "a small menu and family-style dishes" and build a 50-square-foot "entertainment zone" for live events. The focus and amenities inside their larger location has yet to be formally announced.

A debut is promised for later this month.

Back at the Corner Building, Tacos Huevos broke ground on a 1,764-square-foot restaurant last June, but shows no updated signs of opening soon. Yet to be announced, the building also made plans last year to build another bar, right next door to the original Urban Lounge. Tentatively called TBD Vegas, it received planning permission back in October. The 1,477-square-foot project was to be modeled after "the spirit of successful bars as No Name Bar in New York City" and DBA in Hollywood. California. Tacos Huevos was destined to provide the food menu. No progress on that venture has been revealed.