Closed bar receives renovations for music venue

Jun 15 2009 - 12:54pm | Ashley Dickinson

One of the most recognizable buildings on The Square is getting a facelift.

A new San Marcos venue is in the planning stages and will offer its patrons country dancing, music and alcohol.

San Marcos residents who have lived in town for more than a year may remember a venue and bar named Gordo’s from The Square. Scott Gregson, owner and manager, closed the venue in fall 2008.

“I closed it with the anticipation of wholesale renovation of the building,” Gregson said. “The goal is to make a live, multi-purpose music venue out of it. We will be taking everything and demolishing it down to the shell. We will rebuild it into a double-level entertainment music facility.”

Gregson said the venue will have a definite Texas and western theme, but it will be available for a variety of purposes, such as private parties, weddings, big-band series and theatrical nights.

“The current occupancy we’re expecting is between 900 to 1,000 people,” Gregson said. “The goal is to utilize it in a wide variety of uses in the nights we’re not using it for regular shows.”

Gregson said the venue will be a dance hall that will serve alcohol, but not food. The expected age limit is going to be 18 and older, and he hopes the venue will be something both young and old can enjoy.

Javier Aguilar, member of the local Nathan Daniel Band, said he would be interested to see a new venue open in San Marcos.

“I would definitely want to go check out shows there,” Aguilar said. “It would be good (to have a dance hall) because people wouldn’t have to drive to Austin or San Antonio to go to those places when they have it here in town.”

Aguilar is looking forward to the renovation of the old venue.

“I’m excited to see what is going to come of Gordo’s because it was a cool venue, so I’m glad to see someone has invested in the building,” Aguilar said.

Gregson’s inspiration for the renovation comes from a life-long love of music. He said his brother is a musician, so they want the venue to be artist friendly.

“It will be state of the art.” Gregson said. “We will also have the capabilities of doing live video and sound recording, so there will be a soundproof visual and recording studio.”

The anticipated name to replace Gordo’s is the Texas Music Theatre, and Gregson anticipates opening will take place in January 2010.

“The hope is as the downtown master plan is implemented, this venue can provide a cornerstone and foundation for a retail entertainment district for our downtown,” Gregson said. “We’re hoping to continue to work with the students and organizations within our community to show people what we offer downtown.”

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