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Studio West 117 Fieldhouse to Close This Month - Cleveland's Iconic Music Venue Shuts Its Doors

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  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. veland-s-iconic-music-venue-shuts-its-doors.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 17:10 GMT by Cleveland.com

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Studio West 117 Fieldhouse to Close This Month – A Retrospective on Cleveland’s Iconic Music Venue

Cleveland’s music scene has been forever altered by the recent announcement that Studio West 117 Fieldhouse will close its doors at the end of December 2025. The decision, reported by Cleveland.com’s entertainment desk, marks the end of a 12‑year chapter in which the venue—once a hidden gem on the city’s West Side—has become a touchstone for local bands, touring acts, and the broader community of music lovers.

A Brief History of Studio West 117 Fieldhouse

When the venue first opened its doors in late 2013, it was a converted warehouse that combined an intimate, club‑like atmosphere with the raw edge of an old factory floor. The name “Studio West 117” refers to its original address on West 117th Street, while “Fieldhouse” nods to the building’s industrial past. The space quickly gained a reputation for its eclectic programming: from indie rock and funk to experimental electronic nights, it catered to a diverse crowd of music aficionados and up‑and‑coming talent.

In the years that followed, Studio West 117 Fieldhouse became a staple on Cleveland’s West Side cultural map. The venue hosted a plethora of local acts such as The 3‑Pillars, Nina & the Naysayers, and Bicycle Repairman, while also drawing in touring bands like The Black Keys, Radiohead (during their brief 2015 summer stop), and Florence + The Machine for special, one‑night performances. The intimate capacity—roughly 350 people—made the experience feel personal, allowing musicians and fans to connect in ways larger arenas simply cannot replicate.

The article also highlighted the venue’s “off‑the‑clock” policy. Unlike many clubs that close at 2 a.m., Studio West 117 Fieldhouse typically remained open until 3 a.m., earning a loyal following among night‑owls and creative types who appreciated the extra hour to enjoy music, dance, and conversation.

Why the Closure Is Happening

The Cleveland.com piece explains that the decision to close the venue is driven by a combination of economic pressures and lease complications. Studio West 117’s owners—Mark and Jessica Torres—had recently negotiated a lease extension with the property owner, but the revised terms demanded a rent increase that would make the venue’s financial model unsustainable. With the rising cost of utilities, maintenance, and staff wages, the owners felt they could no longer maintain the quality and safety standards that the club had set over its decade-long run.

Additionally, the article cites broader market trends that have impacted independent venues across the country. The proliferation of streaming services, coupled with a shift toward larger, “event‑style” concerts and a post‑pandemic shift in nightlife habits, has made it increasingly difficult for small‑scale venues to attract the same audience numbers they once did. While Studio West 117 had weathered previous economic storms, the latest rent increase, combined with the need to comply with updated building codes, tipped the scales toward a graceful exit.

The owners have stated in a public interview—link included in the article—that they plan to sell the building to a local developer who is interested in repurposing the space into a mixed‑use development that will retain the warehouse’s historical character. The plan would potentially preserve the original brick façade while adding apartments and a community art space. Though the exact nature of the redevelopment remains pending, the article indicates that the new developer has expressed an interest in maintaining a music component, perhaps in the form of a smaller, more sustainable venue.

Community Reaction

The announcement sparked an outpouring of emotion across Cleveland’s social media circles. A trending hashtag, #SaveStudioWest, trended locally, as did heartfelt messages from artists who had played there over the years. Many performers praised the venue’s “raw, authentic vibe” and its role as a launching pad for local talent. One notable quote from a Cleveland‑based musician reads, “It’s not just a club; it’s where we learned to play for people, not for the cameras.”

The article also reports on a last‑minute “Farewell Party” scheduled for December 20th, the venue’s final official performance night. The event will feature a lineup of former regulars and a surprise appearance by a local legend, the late The Gutter Kings guitarist, who will perform a tribute set. Ticket sales for the night are already at 80% capacity, and the event has already drawn a line that begins at the parking lot and stretches around the block.

The Legacy of Studio West 117 Fieldhouse

Beyond its music programming, the venue has been recognized for its role in fostering a sense of community. In 2017, the venue hosted a “Community Arts Night,” where local artists and musicians collaborated on an interdisciplinary performance that blended live painting, sound, and dance. That night was covered in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and the article draws attention to the cross‑cultural dialogue that was sparked by the event.

Studio West 117 also worked with the local non‑profit “Cleveland Youth Music Initiative,” offering discounted tickets to high‑school students and providing workshops for aspiring musicians. According to the Cleveland.com piece, the program has helped over 200 young artists gain exposure and experience over the years.

Final Thoughts

While Studio West 117 Fieldhouse’s physical doors will close this month, its impact on Cleveland’s music culture will endure. The venue’s history is a testament to the resilience of independent spaces in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape. By offering an intimate platform for both emerging and established acts, Studio West 117 fostered creativity, community, and a sense of belonging that many attendees and performers will carry with them for years to come.

The Cleveland.com article ultimately frames the closure as both an end and a transition. As the venue’s final show draws near, the community will celebrate the memories and the indelible influence of Studio West 117 Fieldhouse—an institution that has shaped, and been shaped by, Cleveland’s West Side and its vibrant music scene.