NJ underground music mecca City Gardens up for sale
By Staff Report
Trenton, NJ – In the 1970′s and 1980′s, New York City had CBGB, but the underground music scene in New Jersey flocked to 1701 Calhoun Street to see struggling bands such as Nirvana, R.E.M., Jane’s Addiction, The Ramones, Green Day, Nine Inch Nails and the list goes on, seemingly for ever.
It was also a place for post-prime rockers to get one more chance in front of auditorium sized crowds, such as Joan Jett, Peter Murphy, Men Without Hats and Johny Lydon. In the 80′s, City Gardens came into it’s prime as it hosted weekly punk, reggae, ska, hardcore and other underground music shows for crowds ranging from just a few dozen to a few hundred.
In the 1990′s, City Gardens’ doors closed. It was later reopened as Club XL, but never had the same momentum as it did in the 1980′s. Built in the 1940′s, the 10,450 square foot warehouse had been a retail store, furniture store and even a car dealership before becoming City Gardens. “The building is for sale, but it needs a lot of work.” says listing broker Joe Ridolfi “For a while there, it was the in place to be, but the building has been priced accordingly because it needs a lot of work. The stage is still there and so is most of the old bar equipment.”
So how much would it cost you to own a piece of New Jersey and underground music history? Ridolfi says the asking price is $195,000. “We’ve had some interest from people who used to go there, but nobody thus far has been able to come up with an offer.” he added “Right now, it’s part of an estate, the original owner passed away and the children want to sell it.”
If you’re interested in owning a piece of New Jersey music lore, it might not be CBGB or the Stone Pony, but City Gardens was one of the most legendary clubs in New Jersey during its day. You can call Joe Ridolfi at (609) 581-4848 for more information about the property.
Posted by Staff Report
on Apr 11 2011. Filed under Jackson News.
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