A local nightclub owner says his move to the North core will be good for everyone.
Tonic general manager Frank Marino took over the former Club Nautilus building on Red River Road earlier this year. Moving his bar from Memorial Avenue to the downtown core just makes sense he said.
"It's the right thing to do because everything is moving downtown for the entertainment district and now there's going to be another nightclub," he said.
That move will also bring up to 600 more people downtown every weekend.
"It's just going to increase business for everybody," Marino said.
As for the building itself, Marino said the wide open former gym and department store is a great space for a nightclub. And it's close to other bars like the Foundry, Sovereign Room, Black Pirates Pub and the casino.
"It's right in the centre of the action," he said.
While there have been reports that some other business owners in the area have concerns, Marino said people looking to cut loose at a nightclub are just like anyone else.
"It doesn't matter whether you're 19 or 40 you're going to go out and have a good time," he said.
Downtown waterfront BIA vice-chair Jim Comuzzi said he originally thought that the new business was going to be a sports bar. But seeing any new business downtown is a good thing.
"We're just hoping that the clientele that comes into this new place is conducive to what we've built and what we think that we've accomplished in the resurgence of the downtown waterfront," he said.
And while having more people downtown could see some problems, it also means more eyes on the street looking out for the area Comuzzi said.
"It creates a feeling of comfort," he said.
The fact that Marino is renovating an old landmark that has been vacant is also good news Comuzzi said.
"We're really excited about somebody coming and more importantly spending more money into the downtown area," he said.
Marino is hoping to have the club open by Christmas.
