Biggs Downtown, a live music and theater venue, is set to open in the building that formerly housed Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar in downtown Springfield. The owners, Ethan and Hailey Brown, are targeting an August 1 grand opening date at 312 South Ave.
Renovation and Plans
The Browns have invested heavily in Springfield’s oldest corridor, with a $70,000 initial investment and a five-year lease. They plan to utilize and keep the iconic murals painted on both the inside and outside of the space. The nearly 5,000-square-foot space will feature live music, theater productions, and burlesque shows, with a capacity of about 300 people.
The company plans to hire about three to four employees ahead of the grand opening. The Browns also co-own two other downtown Springfield businesses, Shot Shack and 417 Pedal Tours. Ethan Brown has a 20-year history in the entertainment industry, and Hailey Brown has an extensive history with theater productions.
Future Plans
While it’s not yet locked in for future plans, Biggs Downtown is considering adding food options in the future. The space has a kitchen, but it would have to be renovated and equipment would have to be added. With the possible food options, the company aims to honor theater districts, heavily inspired by cities like New York, Chicago, and the West End.
Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.
