PHILADELPHIA (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — HOB Entertainment, Inc. has finalized lease negotiations with Grasso Holdings, Inc. in anticipation of opening a branded House of Blues® venue in downtown Philadelphia. Slated to open summer 2007, House of Blues will take residence in The Packard Grande, located in the landmark Packard Building at the corner of 15th and Chestnut Streets in the heart of Philadelphia’s Center City Business District. Approximately 200 new jobs will be generated once House of Blues opens its doors.
"We are committed to bringing a multi-faceted House of Blues entertainment venue to Philadelphia and we feel privileged to have been entrusted with assisting Grasso Holdings in preserving the rich heritage of the Packard Building," says Liam Thornton, Senior Vice President of Development for HOB Entertainment, Inc. "We’ve enjoyed great success in the region with the 2005 opening of House of Blues in Atlantic City and look forward to sharing our unique brand of hospitality with the greater Philadelphia community."
"I always knew that the House of Blues organization would be an incredible contribution to Philadelphia's already enriched cultural offerings," said David Grasso, Principal and CEO of Grasso Holdings. "Because of all the various government approvals necessary it has proven to be an incredibly complex and difficult deal that took much collaboration and patience on both sides of the table; however, through sheer persistence we were able to make our aspirations a reality. On behalf of Grasso Holdings, I can say we are very proud to be bringing Philadelphians this unique opportunity."
A brand recognized for its celebration of artistic diversity, Southern-inspired cuisine and philanthropic ventures, House of Blues is designing its Philadelphia venue to showcase the remarkable architecture of The Packard Grande building and that of its former bank tenant. The Philadelphia House of Blues will house a full service restaurant, lounge and retail store on the lobby level, an upscale Mezzanine dining area and a prestigious private membership Foundation Room. The venue will incorporate state-of-the-art sound and lighting for performing artists and guests to enjoy amidst old safety-deposit boxes framing the former bank vault. The vault space will also feature an intimate, wood-paneled lounge and can accommodate special events and private parties.
The Philadelphia House of Blues restaurant menu will marry some of Philadelphia’s traditional fare with a classic twist of House of Blues Southern-inspired cuisine and hospitable service. The famous House of Blues Sunday Gospel Brunch, a sumptuous buffet paired with inspiring live gospel performances, will be offered weekly. The venue will introduce fine dining, upscale hospitality, extravagant décor and exclusive member perks via its private membership Foundation Room. Proceeds from Foundation Room membership benefits the International House of Blues Foundation (IHOBF), dedicated to promoting cultural understanding and creative expression through music and art for local schoolchildren and their teachers.
Under the development of Grasso Holdings, The Packard Grande, located at 111 S. 15th Street in Philadelphia, is a sophisticated, contemporary residence highlighted with exquisite old-world detailing. A multi-use building of 1920’s Classical Revival architecture, The Packard Grande is a member of Philadelphia’s Broad Street Historic District and listed amongst the National Register of Historic Places. A Philadelphia iconic structure re-opened in 2003, this premiere residence location offers one, two and 3 bedroom floor plans. Luxurious living defined by open spaces, modern amenities, and ultimate comfort, the residences at The Packard Grande are the first in Philadelphia to offer Smart Home Technology. Slated for its debut in 2007, the House of Blues will encompass 40,000 square feet of the notable building highlighting its original architecture and prominent history.
House of Blues is also slated to open a venue in Dallas in spring 2007 and another in Houston in mid-2008.
