Looks like Daniel Street is being sold off and turned into a pizza place. Disappointing day in Southern CT.
MILFORD — Stonebridge Restaurant owner Richard Conine confirmed Monday he has reached an agreement to sell his neighboring nightclub, Daniel Street, and a source said it will be turned into a brick oven pizza place.
Conine declined to reveal who he is selling the nightclub to, or to elaborate on what the new owners have planned for the property. He did say the new owners plan to remove the sound system at the beginning of the year.
Conine said the popular nightclub will remain open through Jan. 1 and has a series of big shows planned beginning tonight, with John Doe of X performing, and Justin Townes Earles headlining Thursday. Both shows begin at 7 p.m.
Conine opened the club in 2005. It attracted local and national bands, and has been popular with young adults.
In 2008, Conine said he was putting the club up for sale, but changed his mind and planned to build a $1.5 million 100-seat theater on the second floor, which never happened.
Conine recalled that in 2001, when he purchased the property, he fell headfirst from the second floor and “almost died.” He said he is now 58 years old, and it’s time to focus on Stonebridge.
“Stonebridge keeps me more than busy,” Conine said. “I’ve put a lot of money into Daniel Street, but I’m starting to slow down. That is 100 percent the reason for selling it. I’m putting all of my energies into Stonebridge.”
Mark Nussbaum, who owns Manic Productions and has booked several acts for Daniel Street, said the place will be greatly missed.
“Everyone seems to like it,” Nussbaum said. “A lot of bands come back there. Bands like the good sound system and staff. … It’s been a fun place to play.”
Mayor Ben Blake said if Daniel Street is sold, he hopes it’s redeveloped “consistent with the character of our vibrant downtown.
The nightclub was formerly a Putnam Furniture building, a Dodge car dealership in the 1920s, and a dance hall in the 1940s and ’60s.
Economic Development Director Robert Gregory said the nightclub will be missed.
“They’ve been getting bands of some renown and developing a venue for that type of music, and in that respect, it will be missed,” Gregory said.
Throughout the years, the nightclub has generated incidents requiring police response, but the club hired additional police officers.
