Building home to iconic Edmonton music venue goes up for sale
Edmonton’s music scene could be dealt a major blow as the building home to The Starlite Room and River City Revival House is for sale; however, its owners say the business itself isn’t going anywhere.
The building, located at 10030 102nd Street NW, was listed on the market this week at $3,800,000. According to a Facebook post by Tyson Cale Boyd, owner/operator of the Starlite Room, the sale is motivated by financial difficulties stemming from the pandemic.
“Unfortunately, the debts we accumulated during COVID make it difficult for us to continue to provide for the music industry. Our solution is to sell the building.”
“We are essentially looking for a landlord so we can continue to provide for our communities,” he explained.
Originally built in 1925 as a Salvation Army citadel, the building has played a key role in Edmonton’s cultural history. After serving as the first venue of the Citadel Theatre company, it became a music venue in the early ’90s.
Ian S. Fletcher/MaxWell Polaris
Ian S. Fletcher/MaxWell Polaris
Ian S. Fletcher/MaxWell Polaris
It was first known as The BRONX, hosting then-unknown bands, including Nirvana and Green Day. In 1993, it became Rev Cabaret & Lush, and in 2004, it reopened as The Starlite Room.
Ian S. Fletcher/MaxWell Polaris
Ian S. Fletcher/MaxWell Polaris
“Medium venues, like the Starlite Room and promoters, like ConcertWorks, are HUGE catalysts for the local economy, Edmontonās culture, Albertaās culture and Canadian culture,” Boyd said. “Nobody begins their career at Rogers Arena.”
Ian S. Fletcher/MaxWell Polaris
With the building celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, we hope The Starlite Room will continue to play a majorĀ role in Edmontonās music scene.
Ian S. Fletcher/MaxWell Polaris