Tue Oct 14 19:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Brooklyn Mirage, a popular music venue in East Williamsburg, is facing demolition after its parent company, Avant Gardner, filed a permit to raze the complex. This follows a tumultuous year that included a failed $30 million redesign, permitting issues, and the company’s bankruptcy filing with over $155 million in debt. The Department of Buildings cited numerous safety concerns regarding the redesigned structure, including its lack of compliance with building codes and safety standards. Avant Gardner also underwent leadership changes, including the firing of its CEO. The company is now reportedly looking to sell its assets to an affiliate of its lender.
**News Article:**
**Brooklyn Mirage Set for Demolition After Financial and Safety Troubles**
East Williamsburg, NY – The iconic Brooklyn Mirage music venue is likely to be torn down. Avant Gardner, the venue’s parent company, has filed a permit to demolish the 32,000-square-foot complex at an estimated cost of $1.5 million.
The demolition application marks a somber end to a year filled with challenges for Avant Gardner. The company’s ambitious $30 million redesign plan ran into numerous hurdles, including permitting delays and serious safety concerns raised by the Department of Buildings (DOB). Commissioner Jimmy Oddo cited structural issues, lack of proper safety installations, and concerns about the venue’s ability to withstand wind and earthquakes.
These issues compounded financial woes, leading Avant Gardner to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August, listing over $155 million in debt. CEO Josh Wyatt was fired, and DJ Gary Richards (aka Destructo) was brought in to lead the company.
According to reports, Avant Gardner is currently in talks to sell its assets to a lender affiliate. A hearing is scheduled later this month to discuss the proposed settlement.
The fate of the space remains uncertain following the demolition. While the demolition promises to be a spectacle, it also serves as a stark reminder of the challenges involved in large-scale entertainment venues.