New owners of Brooklyn Mirage site, Pacha, hope for fresh start with festivalgoers ahead of June 20 opening date
The currently empty lot, where the former Mirage stage was demolished after it failed fire inspection, is slated to become the next iteration of the popular nightlife destination.
Two months before the former Brooklyn Mirage site is set to reopen as Pacha, the club’s new owners are working to convince Williamsburg neighbors that the venue’s comeback will be different from its predecessor.
The currently empty lot, where the former Mirage stage was demolished after it failed fire inspection, is slated to become the next iteration of the popular nightlife destination.
But before construction can move forward, Pacha needs a liquor license, and that requires the local community board to make a recommendation to the State Liquor Authority. The first hearing took place this week, with concerns about noise, safety and neighborhood impact front and center.
The lot currently sits in an industrially zoned area on the border of Brooklyn and Queens, with multiple blocks-worth of warehouses between the venue site and any residential properties.
Businesses directly across the street told News 12 their biggest frustration wasn’t noise; it was trash in the streets left over from shows and traffic barricades left abandoned by the Mirage venue, currently blocking their parking.
Pacha representatives say they plan to address that and more.
The owners outlined several proposed improvements: dedicated street cleaning, a new cell tower to prevent service outages during events and as people leave or arrive, enhanced security checkpoints and redesigned speaker systems aimed at keeping sound contained.
They’re also offering coupons to customers whose shows were canceled during the Mirage shutdown.
The venue says dedicated shuttle options will also be added from the Morgan and Jefferson Street L train stops, as well as from Union Square.
“We’re rebuilding this venue from the ground up to operate the right way... with full DOB compliance and with transparency and accountability at every level,” said Kabir Mulchandani, chairman of The Pacha Group
“It’s definitely starting off on the right foot — that’s a real gesture of goodwill,” said Cameron Williams, who had tickets canceled last season.
But not all former attendees are satisfied. The coupons go towards concessions at the new venue, not towards ticket sales, and require a show to be fully cancelled to qualify.
Many shows were moved or cut short rather than canceled, and Pacha says those customers won’t receive compensation.
“Mirage kept pushing back and back until two days before they said the venue moved — and the time moved,” said Ryan Conway, whose event was relocated at the last minute. "I didn't get my money's worth because the venue was so different, it was Central Park with an early curfew," she said.
Both Williams and Conway say they’re cautiously optimistic but want to see real follow-through.
“Are you going to show up for us, show up for the community? The cell service — that’s a great start,” Williams said.
Conway added, “I’ll believe it when I actually see it open for an event. Definitely excited to see it happen if it does.”
Pacha is scheduled to open its doors on June 20.
