MJQ Concourse, a longtime staple of late nights along Ponce de Leon Avenue, announced Wednesday it will move to Underground Atlanta and open there, if all goes to plan, by the end of the year. It will open in the old historic home of original downtown’s Dante’s Down the Hatch, which has been dormant for nearly 25 years.
First reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the nightclub is taking over the space that’s laid dormant since Dante’s Down The Hatch closed nearly 25 years ago. MJQ will continue to operate its Ponce location, and its attached Drunken Unicorn music venue, through at least November 2023.
Here’s what you need to know about the relocation.
1. Party on Ponce
Since 1997, MJQ has operated its current location at 736 Ponce de Leon Ave., a buzzy nightlife hub now rapidly gentrifying.
Credit: Special
Credit: Special
2. Beltline boom
MJQ and its neighboring businesses had to find new locations after developer Portman Holdings acquired their Beltline-adjacent properties and announced a large mixed-use project with apartments and offices.
Credit: Portman Holdings
Credit: Portman Holdings
3. Underground scene
Dante’s Down The Hatch was a staple of the original Underground nightclub scene. It had two runs in its original location at Underground Atlanta, but closed its doors — and entryway hatch — for good in 1990.
Credit: Bob Andres
Credit: Bob Andres
4. Underground’s rise and fall
Underground was reborn in 1989 as a shopping mall and tourist attraction owned by the city. Though popular for a time, it faded and was sold.
Credit: Jenni Girtman
Credit: Jenni Girtman
5. Underground returns to late-night roots
MJQ joins Underground after multiple failed revitalization efforts, but new owner Shaneel Lalani is among multiple downtown stakeholders trying to reinvigorate the city center by adding additional housing options and bolstering entertainment spots.
Credit: Jenni Girtman
Credit: Jenni Girtman
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