Phantom to replace Kamp
That's about all I know -- a new club called Phantom is getting ready to open at 2314 Boston St., the space formerly occupied by Kamp.
I have thought and thought about this, and figured there can be only two reasons why people keep thinking they can keep opening high-end clubs and lounges in this city:
1) They can make a killing in less than a year. This is entirely possible, considering the covers they charge and the high drink prices.
2) They have absolutely no clue how many people have tried to "Bring Miami/New York/South Beach/Los Angeles to Baltimore" and have failed miserably.
If No. 2 is the correct answer, it's a little like watching lemmings run off a cliff ...
I mean, where do they get these investors, and how do they snooker them into spending millions on renovations?
It's not impossible to run a high-end club in this city. Red Maple (930 N. Charles St.) has been there for years. While it's had a few owners, Mosaic (Power Plant Live) is still up and running three nights a week. I just think it takes good management and a sharp understanding of how club-goers in this city think.
Anybody wanna place bets on how long Phantom will last?
Also, I'd like to thank Midnight Sunner jmgiordano for the initial tip.
(Photo by me)
I've been The Baltimore Sun's nightlife and local entertainment reporter for a couple years, and it's surprising how much the scene has grown in that time. Most of Baltimore's bars and clubs are unpretentious places with fairly cheap drinks and plenty of character. I like dancing and think this city needs more clubs, but nothing beats having a cold, locally brewed beer with friends in a comfortably full corner bar.
Comments
Seeing as tho it doesn't have some über-hip spelling of it's name, like "Fantu6hm" - the 6 is silent - it seems to be off to a better start.
Still, seems to me as tho FüL is safe for the moment.
Posted by: bryaninimonium | March 9, 2009 4:23 PM
"the 6 is silent"
hee hee
Posted by: Sam Sessa | March 9, 2009 4:25 PM
Great, another reason to avoid Boston Street on a Friday or Saturday night...i feel bad for Gin Mill.
Posted by: Chris | March 9, 2009 4:35 PM
It was open 2 fridays ago... had a line outfront. Was a urban crowd that seemed to take away from Pur.
Posted by: the truth | March 10, 2009 2:02 PM
Give it a month, then it will be done.
Twain, you heard anything about the gin mill? One of my buds said it was listed again.
Posted by: Ugh | March 10, 2009 2:48 PM
I'm curious...exactly how do clubgoers in Baltimore think? (No snark intended here). I do know that spot has been about 5 or 6 other names in the past few years. I've moved out of Baltimore years ago and the BMore scene is definitely ummm...."unique". But I think the right space, and some innovative ideas can keep that particular demographic from spending their dollars in DC.
Posted by: Sucio410 | March 11, 2009 5:41 PM
Sucio, ask Leonard at Red Maple. He's been doing it for years now, and they appear to still be going strong. It's possible to run a high-end club in this city. You just have to know your audience and know how to run the place.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | March 11, 2009 8:34 PM
Kamp was a nightclub? I thought it was a German-American legion or something... didn't exactly have the flashiest exterior or signage.
Posted by: LB | March 12, 2009 11:11 PM
The neighborhood fought hard to prevent another nightclub from going in there after the nightmare that was Kamp. Perhaps another round of fistfights, stabbings, & shootings will hasten its demise. The owners of that building should be ashamed of themselves for leasing that space out to yet another scourge on the neighborhood.
Posted by: ugh x2 | March 15, 2009 1:46 AM
I wouldnt blame the owners of the buildings. I blame the wack promoters who use the so called miami style venues for a hood rat party!!! If your a young professional there is not place to party here in Baltimore so we have to goto DC, Philly or NY. Its a shame.
Posted by: Shawntay | March 17, 2009 10:49 AM
The night life in Baltimore sucks. I'm sick of going to DC to party!!!
Posted by: Wayne | August 19, 2009 11:31 AM
In answer to Sessa's question, this place lasted six months. Their agreement with the surrounding residents was violated dozens of times. Residents in the immediate vicinity of this club called for a license revocation with the Liquor Board, people testified, license was revoked. Lets see...that is 3 clubs in four years in that spot. Perhaps the building owner will buy a clue on sale somewhere next time and lease it to a more respectable business.
Posted by: Canton sigh of relief... | October 31, 2009 12:41 PM
The owner of the building is trying to sell it.
Posted by: Rube Goldberg | November 1, 2009 4:58 PM