Last week, before it even opened, a lot of people were trashing and defending The Penthouse, the new club at Chukchansi Park's 600 Club. Now that people have actually been inside, let's hear the good and bad, for real.
Promoter Rick Mirigian sent me an e-mail this morning saying: "No fights, issues, drama free and perfect." A couple of Beehive operatives who were in there on Saturday night said the place was cool and that they would go back. I've also heard second-hand bad reviews. So what's the truth?
One interesting note: Mirigian told me late Friday that The City did not have everything in order for the club to actually stay open until 4 a.m. That's kinda odd, since they make the rules. It's supposed to be until 4 a.m. this weekend, though.
Anyhow, who was at The Penthouse? What did you think?
I can assure you that the information Rick said about the City not having everything in order is accurate. Rick did everything that was asked of him and the City dropped the ball.
I am someone who normally hates to go out in Fresno because all the clubs here are the same and all of them have very little variety. They are usually all filled with drama, no dancing, and not enough security. I went Saturday night to the Penthouse and I was absolutely amazed and impressed with how different this place was. I have to admit that I was skeptical and hoping for the best, expecting the worse. I was very wrong about this place. It had a gorgeous view and a lot of security. This wasn't your normal Fresno nightclub. I felt completely safe (even though I was downtown at night.) Everyone there seemed to be having a great time and I didn't see any of the normal drama that you find at nightclubs.
I was disappointed that it had to close at 2a.m. and it didn't have any dancing. I like the idea of being able to go out and dance, have a few drinks, and then eat before I go home. The Penthouse would have been great because it had everything that club-goers like myself would want in one place. Hopefully the City of Fresno can get their act together and apply for permits for THEIR OWN events. Seriously, only in Fresno could you have an event supported by the city and then shut down early by the city for their own negligence in not obtaining the proper permits. No wonder why so many businesses struggle in this town. I have heard horror stories about how difficult it is to do business in Fresno and how the city officials make it virtually impossible to do business, but I thought it was just disgruntled business owners. I was wrong again. The city can't even help themselves operate a business, there is no way they can help other businesses. This is just very sad and embarrassing for our town and our officials. It will be interesting to see how they try to spin the press on this one and make excuses for their neglect when they admitted they didn't obtain the proper permits. Perhaps the city officials could take a vote on making "officials" do their job???? Politics at its finest.
I thought it was amazing, packed house, great people, great vibe and in weeks would be the #1 new spot around.Changes of course like anything will be done, more sound, more service for bottles and the bar and even 2-3 new Dj's now PER NIGHT. All in the works if the city can clear thier own issues, would be a shame to waste what started for downtown that could give life to so many new ventures over time, the temple's were all built with one brick to start them off...this was one HUGE brick if you ask me!
Ok I was there Saturday night and I had a good time.. I was bummed when the lights came on around two because I get off work late! The DJ was mixin it up and they this sic drummer guy beatin on congos! I've only seen that in Vegas.. Hopefully they will stick to the plan because on the radio it said 4am.. Thanks for talkin about this Fresno Bee!! Way to cover the locals and what we care about!
Mark,
That person on the congas is J-Dub and is exclusive to The Penthouse every Friday and Saturday night! Definitely a great guy and a plus for entertainment!
i wouldnt have normally gone to the penthouse, but i ended up going and had a blast! i wish the 4 am permit would have been in effect that would have made a huge difference in the night!
everything is presented nicely and layout is step up from other places in Fresno.
The Penthouse is the best thing thats happened to downtown Fresno in a long time! Im a Clubflys supporter and when I found out they were hosting Friday nights, I knew this was going to be a good thing!! Security was at its best, very polite not like some of the other clubs where they are just plain rude! Very respectful and for us girls, thats a plus! There arent very many places that stay open after hours. As for the city to drop the ball on paperwork, that seems like an excuse to keep another business from being successful downtown. It's just plain idiotic! I cant wait for next weekend, I will definatly be at The Penthouse again!!!!
Very much needed change to fresno. I loved the vibe! The music was great and I had a blast.It felt like a grown and sexy crowd, with no drama.. and everyone there just to have a good time. The open windows with view was really a nice feel!I cant wait till its open till 4 am.. I would and will def go back!
DJ Roman and I spent hours at The Penthouse today working on the lighting and sound and I gotta say, there is going to be a HUGE difference compared to this past weekend. I am once again excited for us to open the doors this Friday night. We will also have a couple guest DJs this Friday night to kick it off right. This included one of Fresno's up and coming female DJ Disco Kitten.
This 4AM permit issue is definitely a problem but we will overcome it. Hundreds of Fresno party go'ers are ready and willing to hit our doors as soon as the other various clubs and bars around Fresno close down.
Another top 40 night just what fresno needs and just like all the other nights Ive been too it will surely bite the dust...
Another Top 40 night? Not that at all. DJ Roman is providing a mixture of genres for both nights. We also will be booking guest DJs (both local and out of town) to throw in something different from time to time.
Each night will never be just one specific genre of music as you are implying. We will have a mixture of at least 4 genres for the perfect blend to make everyone happy.
Hello THE LOVE,
Where is the love? jk.... really though, I do my best to provide a variety of musical genres. As Resident DJ it is key to provide what the people want to hear. There is a huge demand for House and Electronica music here in Fresno, so that is why Friday night's at The Penthouse will be geared more for those types of genres. Sat night's are Hosted by Q97,so of course the Q97 listeners will hear more of a mainstream atmosphere. I am doing my best to keep the music upbeat,positive and fresh. Any Dj will tell you, as long as people are moving on that floor, then we are doing our jobs well.
Rick or Jerry - would you care to comment on where the city dropped the ball on the paperwork, in specifics? Are we talking conditional use permit, dance permit, noise ordinance, liquor license or what exactly? I know past stadium concerts had to be cut short over noise ordinance issues - was that a problem here?
Joe, according to Channel 47 the city had to pull the permit because they didn't realize its own contract does not allow events to go after 2 a.m. They are working to amend that, however.
I really liked the place, it was a good enviroment and played good music. I normally wouldn't go downtown to go out cause I don't like the crowd or just being downtown late. But I will definitely will be going back, I loved it!
I'm not a club person by any means. I go to them ONCE in awhile but for the most part, I stick to low key spots like Audies. But being that it was a friends bday that nite, I wanted her and the rest of us girls to have a FUN night. WE DID! The place had a nice layout with an amazing view. The peeps were cool, def not the typical club scum that I usually encounter (which is why I stay away in the first place). The host was super nice as was the security! We even felt safe leaving due to the abundance of cops patrolling the area. If the rest of downtown can provide venues like this, I'm sure it can bring some life to the area!
I really liked the place, club had a feel like no other in town.the girls felt safe & had fun,I was listenin to people all nite,they were impressed & wanted to come back. Security & how the place was run for just openin was excellent.. BUT I found out the city dropped the ball on the 4am issue. REALLY? Come on elected officials!! I will be back & will bring more friends..
Well first off, I was a bit sceptical about going to a place downtown at night. But I really wanted see how the Penthouse event would turn out. I've gone to Many, I mean many nightclubs, lounges all over Fresno, the BAY, LA, and VEGAS. The Penthouse actually has alot of potentail. As I walked up, the security guards were actually dressed nice in black suits, everyone was freindly even though it was raining cats and dogs. We entered into an elevator and headed to the 2nd floor, which was pretty cool. Inside, the music was really good, not to loud. It really had good vibe goin on. There were couchs and candles, a really huge bar, patio chairs and tables outside, which is what I enjoyed the most. Being outside lookin at Fresno's Downtown lights was actually really cool. It almost felt like Frisco. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. My friends and I had a great time, but I do have a couple complaints. 1. It took a long time to get drinks, and I think there was only 1 waitress. 2. The radio station said it would be open until 4am(which I was excited to expeirence in Fresno) and the light came on and it was over by 1:45 :( Thats not cool!!! Was told the permits were not in order in time for the opening night. I feel like they never should have advertised that they would be open until 4AM if it was not true. But, all in all I like the place, and would go again, but am very interested on seeing how the after party 4am deal will be. I'll probably wait until I know they're open til 4am before I go back.
I didnt go but I heard it was a good night with a good Vibe. I will be there Saturday.
Wow, The Penthouse was stunning! Such a great view & vibe! I just wish it could have really stayed open until 4am as advertised, but it was cut short. I flew in from the East Coast just for this event being a huge supporter of ClubFlys.com... Creators are by Best Friends!! They deserve the Best, because they only give the BEST! Being from Fresno originally, and hoping to rejoin my family soon; I hope that The Penthouse will help people see the potential of Downtown Fresno again, Creating a NEW, HOT & FRESH ENVIRONMENT!
Wishing future nights at The Penthouse much luck, especially to my BESTIES, along with DJ Disco Kitten, who is like my lil' sister!! You go girl!!
Maybe I'll be able to join you again soon!! Muah! *Y*
Good to see you still trucking Rick! Sometimes I miss all the drama HA! (but only for a second)
Looks like most of the negative attitudes turned to positive... or don't have any merit to back up their arguments anymore. Here's to you.
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race”
C.C.
Maybe they will finally understand that it is not what you do, but how you do it. KEEP DOING IT!
Oh yeah, quit giving your designers last minute orders so they could have time to spell-check... LOL
I've been in Fresno for 10 years now and I've seen many clubs come and go. I would love to see The Penthouse stick around. They are benefiting from the fact that the 600 Club is a nice place anyway and the size of the room allows for the music to really be pumping, but conversations to still take place.
I really dug the vibe, the security and the beautiful view of the ballpark and downtown from the patio. Let's not jump down the City's throat for a lousy two more hours of dancing. Let's give them some credit for investing something this hip downtown eh?
Just play some DEEP HOUSE and get it over with.
It's so great to read all of the good reviews! Thanks to the promoters and DJ Roman for getting this started. I plan to take some people on Friday night.
What a bummer to not be able to stay out til 4 as expected. Great set up and ppl just wish it really stayed open til 4 like LA or SF. Hope to be there longer next time.
First, thanks to Mr. Mirigian and everyone who showed up for the first weekend at downtown's newest entertainment spot.
While I am not involved in the departments that have to go through permits and permitting, I would like to weigh in on this topic.
Downtown has been virtually comatose for several decades. There has been a heartbeat, but it has been pretty weak for a very long time. Changing this coma survivor into an Olympic athlete isn't going to happen over night.
So if you want to see this revitalization effort succeed, then don't be too sensitive or critical. We need to work out a few kinks. Start thinking and acting a little longer term. So if it takes that City a couple of days, weeks or months to get all of their processes straightened out, isn't it still going to lead us to a far better situation, in a relatively short period of time?
Be glad if you were there for the first night. Be glad when the club has dancing and is open until 4. Be glad when the next club opens...enjoy the ride folks, we're heading in the right direction.
Craig
Downtown and community Revitalization
btw We're not L.A., S.F., Paris, Orange Cove, Lathrop or Visalia. We are Fresno.