News Summary
New Brookland Tavern, an iconic venue in Columbia, faces uncertainty as both buildings it occupies are listed for sale. With a property valuation exceeding $1 million and ongoing financial struggles, the tavern’s future hangs in the balance. Management is hopeful for a buyer who respects their lease, allowing them to operate until at least 2028. Community support has been vital, raising funds to address previous financial issues, but with outstanding tax liens, the venue must navigate a challenging local landscape amidst development in the Five Points neighborhood.
Columbia – New Brookland Tavern, a cornerstone of Columbia’s music scene, is facing uncertainties as the two buildings it occupies have been listed for sale by real estate firm Trinity Partners. Signs indicating the sale have been prominently displayed outside the venue, located along the 600 block of Harden Street, which also houses Kings Row barbershop.
The property, which encompasses the tavern’s showroom and bar, has been valued by Richland County at over $1 million. The adjacent building, still under renovation for a side stage, is listed for over $400,000. Club owner Carlin Thompson revealed that the tavern’s management was notified of the sale listing three weeks ago. Despite this situation, New Brookland Tavern will continue to operate as usual until a suitable offer for the buildings is made.
Thompson has expressed concerns regarding the possibility of relocation if they are not permitted to remain in their current location. New Brookland Tavern had already undergone a move last year, relocating from State Street, where it had been a popular venue since at least 1998. The venue currently holds a lease that extends through 2028, complete with options for two four-year renewals.
Since its December 2023 relocation, New Brookland Tavern has grappled with ongoing financial struggles. Last summer, the establishment temporarily closed due to tax-related issues that obstructed the renewal of its alcohol and retail licenses. To aid in the tavern’s reopening, a community fundraising campaign successfully garnered over $25,000.
Currently, New Brookland Tavern faces more than $14,000 in outstanding tax liens, although management has stated they are making payment arrangements. The month-long closure last summer resulted in approximately $20,000 in losses due to canceled shows, severely impacting the venue’s finances.
Recognized as essential to the local music landscape, New Brookland Tavern has been a platform for both emerging local talent and smaller touring bands over almost three decades. Local musicians have emphasized the venue’s importance in promoting new artists within the Columbia region.
The property owner, Jon Sears, has shared his hope that whoever purchases the buildings will respect New Brookland’s existing lease agreement. Sears noted that the timing of the sale coincides with positive developmental changes occurring in the Five Points neighborhood. The area is currently witnessing growth with several development projects aimed at attracting new businesses and creating job opportunities.
The Five Points neighborhood has seen a revival of interest, prompting a range of new investments. This boom could present both challenges and opportunities for longstanding establishments like New Brookland Tavern as they navigate potential relocations amidst a dynamic local economic landscape.
As the community watches this situation unfold, the future of New Brookland Tavern remains uncertain. The venue’s dedication to its role in the music scene continues, with hopes that they can weather the storm of these recent developments.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: New Brookland Tavern
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Columbia music scene
- The State
- Google Scholar: New Brookland Tavern
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia South Carolina
- Cola Today
- Google News: New Brookland Tavern
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
