The suburban club scene is about to get a whole lot bigger -- again.
Myth, the giant Maplewood nightclub that opened with so much promise in 2005 only to close in 2009, has a new owner.
On Monday, the Maplewood City Council approved a liquor license for Mike Miranowski, who has taken over the lease at the 40,000-square-foot space. The club closed in August 2009 after a rocky financial spat between owner Michael Ogren and investor Steven Sadowski. Miranowski was tight-lipped on specifics, saying it was too early to talk about a reopening date or who would be booking the bands.
"The intentions are to have live music and club nights and corporate events, and that's about all I can comment on now," he said.
Karen Guilfoile, Maplewood's director of citizen services, said the liquor license was approved with several conditions. Guilfoile said Maplewood police will do several unannounced compliance checks during the club's first year of operation.
The club also needs to secure a bevy of new parking spaces. It currently has 371, which would allow for just more than 1,000 patrons. The club's capacity allows for more than 4,000. Guilfoile said Miranowski is trying to work something out with a neighboring mall parking lot.
Miranowski will also have to meet with Maplewood's police chief to discuss crime. The old Myth had its share of problems, including a shooting on the night of a Lil Wayne concert.
"We don't want the business to be a drain on our public safety," Guilfoile said. "But we also don't want a big empty building sitting there. We wish them well."
