Cityfox proposes new plan to reopen the Brooklyn Mirage

Cityfox organizers are looking to reopen Avant Gardner at 111 Gardner Ave., an outdoor and indoor events space that includes The Brooklyn Mirage, The Great Hall and The Kings Hall.

Last week Billy Bildstein, co-founder and creative director of Cityfox, met with Community Board 1 to convey why the venue should be allowed to receive a liquor license, according to DNAinfo.

At the meeting on February 15, Bildstein expressed that Cityfox had learned from mistakes made in the past: "I want to apologize to you, the community, about many things we could have done better. We made mistakes and we didn't do our homework right before we approached the board last year. I know we didn't make a very good impression last year, and we’re here to show you the improvements."

Cityfox has outlined a new plan for the reinstatement of the 6,000-capacity space dubbed Avant Gardner. The proposal includes safety and traffic analyses, along with hiring 171 workers to generate $7.2 million in labor income.

In order to add to the surrounding neighborhood, Cityfox would also implicate a "neighborhood beautification plan" by tasking local artists to paint murals surrounding the venue. They plan to install 15,000 live plants and 35 palm trees inside as well.

According to reports, the proposed Cityfox plan will cost $47.2 million and has already received support from 24 local politicians, community organizations and religious groups.

Mixmag reached out to the team behind Avant Gardner to see how they are coming along with the new proposal: "The Avant Gardner team is reviewing plans with the Department of Buildings and State Liquor Authority, among other regulatory agencies. We're pleased to have gained the support of many elected officials, community groups, and organizations for a world-class multi-purpose venue that benefits the local community, Brooklyn, the City and State. The venue will host many different types of events, including free community events, as well as Cityfox. We will have more details in the near future."

Back in 2016 Cityfox struggled with the Brooklyn Mirage, being forced to cancel a number of events due to permit issues. Organizers also attempted to put on a party at a toxic Superfund site on Halloween, but Cityfox would not be blamed as the owner of the building was at fault.

A vote on proposed permits and licenses for Avant Gardner is set to take place on March 14.

Harrison is Mixmag's East Coast Editor. Follow him on Twitter here