A new live music venue has big plans for Rock Hill. Here is what you can expect
A decision this week could punch the ticket for a new music venue in Rock Hill.
Rebel Base Investments applied with the city zoning board of appeals for a special exception that would allow an indoor concert hall. The 161 W. Main St. downtown property is across from the site that for decades was The Herald building. That site now is under its own redevelopment with apartments, a parking deck and commercial space.
Midwood Entertainment of Charlotte is involved with the concert hall development.
The request is for a maximum capacity of 1,000 people. The new venue, called The Annex Live, wouldn’t have events open to the public. Instead, events would be ticketed or by invitation.
The former car dealership space is part of a property redeveloped three years ago, that includes Common Market and Two Scoops Creamery. The music site would be within walking distance of some residences, but also the bustling Knowledge Park, Old Town and University Center parts of the city. The commercial Thread project and the Herald site redevelopment also are close by.
The Annex Live would take up 10,000 square feet just beside Common Market and Two Scoops.
The site will have some of its own parking, and a lease agreement for more spaces at the nearby Kimbrell’s Furniture site. There also are a growing number of parking decks in the area. Closer sites will be VIP parking and will have security to direct it.
City staff recommends in favor of the needed special exception, provided the venue hosts live music and not promoted parties with a DJ.
A sketch plan submitted with the application for The Annex Live shows a 5,000-square-foot larger room with a main stage, green room, main bar, auxiliary bar, restrooms and food service space all around an open central area for guests. A smaller area off the other side of the main bar includes the main entrance, a box office, more open space, a smaller stage and larger green room.
A business plan submitted with the zoning application notes the success of city concert series and other event hosting in Rock Hill as reasons the new site can succeed. The plan anticipates 500 to 900 tickets per event and a broad range of musical performances. In addition to music, comedians or small theatrical shows are stated possibilities.
The aim, per the business plan, is 45 headliner shows and 45 regional shows the first year with a combined 60,000 patrons. A smaller front of house area, The Showroom, would host local artists for weekly events. Many of the local performances will be free for guests. Facility rentals will be an option, too.
Tickets for larger shows could run about $30 to $60. The business plan lists similar venues in North Carolina as The Ramkat in Winston-Salem and The Orange Peel in Asheville.
The city zoning board of appeals will hear plans for The Annex Live, and could grant the needed special exception, on Tuesday night.
This story was originally published May 22, 2023 at 12:15 PM.
