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With two extra months of work, AVS was set back $70K to $100K. Those costs ate away at the money set aside for the final phase of renovations.
With two extra months of work, AVS was set back $70K to $100K. Those costs ate away at the money set aside for the final phase of renovations.
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With two extra months of work, AVS was set back $70K to $100K. Those costs ate away at the money set aside for the final phase of renovations.
Hermann's Jazz Club's reopening is in sight, but unforeseen costs are delaying the final touches, the venue's operator said yesterday.
Hermann's and the neighbouring View Street Social were set to close permanently earlier this year when their operator, Arts on View Society (AVS), found itself $450K in debt, with costs continuing to pile up and major repairs needed.
Victoria music fans quickly stepped in and fundraised the cash to keep the businesses going. In May, the venues closed to allow for the much-needed repairs.
That work is now nearing completion, and AVS has been eyeing a reopening this fall. Patrons can expect a new seating layout and relocated bar at Hermann's and a stage for karaoke at View Street Social. New kitchen and draft equipment, carpeting, and speakers have also been added.
"The heavy lifting has been done; the major projects are complete," said Al Smith, board chair of Arts on View Society, in a video update on the renovation.
But the update wasn't all good news. Smith said challenges that arose during repairs, including unexpected structural and flooring damage, pushed the project over budget.
The work went on longer than anticipated, and the cost of keeping the building open without a revenue source added up quickly.
"Even while closed for renovations, our ongoing operating costs, including rent, hydro, water, software, insurance, staffing, and various contracts, range from $35K to $50K per month," said Smith.
With two extra months of work, AVS was set back $70K to $100K. Those costs ate away at the money set aside for the final phase of renovations.
Smith said he wanted to be transparent with donors and shared a breakdown of AVS’s spending since the fundraiser, including a severance payment that was required after losing an employment standards case with a former executive director.
Between April 29 and Oct. 16, the “revised fundraiser spending record shows $490,763 spent,” broken down as follows:
Smith acknowledged that this was the second time the society was asking for support this year.
“We know we are asking again after you have already given generously.”
AVS is asking supporters to e-transfer donations to accounting@artsonview.ca or donate by credit card at https://savehermannsandvss.com/.
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