One of St. Louis’ best-known music night clubs, The Firehouse, is closing its doors for good. As reported in The Riverfront Times column that The Firehouse will be closing for business either March 3 or 4.

The reason for the closing is up for speculation, and the owners were unavailable for comment. Among the reasons cited have been a dying music scene in the area, lack of interest, bad promotion or possibly just bad luck.

The Firehouse, located on Olive Street just across from the Olive-Compton Garage, is within walking distance from Saint Louis University. SLU’s radio station, KSLU had a good relationship with the club and often hosted concerts there, including a recent show featuring the Old 97’s.

With the closing, KSLU will no longer have a venue to host concerts, explained Chris Schaeffer, events director for KSLU. However, the station will not lose money from the lack of concerts; putting on a concert typically costs the station more then they bring in.

The Firehouse will be sorely missed by KSLU. “The people there were very friendly,” said Schaeffer. “It’s terrible that it’s shutting down. In my opinion, it’s the best club in St. Louis.”

There are alternatives for the station if they decide to bring more concerts to town. The Scottish Rite was used for the Mighty Mighty Bosstones concert last year, though the expense of using it is much higher than a small club such as The Firehouse. The Galaxy is a popular alternative club that may be ideal for shows, but it is located miles from campus and would be very inconvenient.

Schaeffer also explained that parking was at a premium at the club. Despite it being located directly across from the Compton-Olive garage, patrons of The Firehouse were not allowed to use the garage.

The closing of The Firehouse closes another chapter in the increasing number of dying St. Louis music clubs. The American Theatre closed its doors this past fall, seemingly handing it’s business over to the now popular Pageant venue. There have also been talks that the St. Louis music landmark Mississippi Nights might soon close its doors. Even the small Side Door Club, which played host to numerous local bands, has closed down.

“There is just no place to see anyone anymore,” said Schaeffer. “Big Bands skip our city, and you wonder why? There is no place to play.”

According to Kathleen Brady, vice president of facilities management and civic affairs, The University was not aware that the Firehouse was closing.